Wine myths, debunked

Our experts weigh in to bust the most common wine myths and help you find your new favourite bottle.

Senior Food Editor

Is everything you thought you knew about wine wrong?

Have you ever put a teaspoon in a bottle of fizz to stop it going flat? Picked a pale rosé over a dark one because it will taste ‘better’? Shuddered at the thought of wine from a box? You’re not alone. A quarter of M&S customers admit to spending more than 10 minutes deliberating in the wine aisle, unsure of where to start and unable to separate wine fact from fiction. To help you brush up on your knowledge – and unearth something delicious to sip along the way – we asked our expert winemakers to debunk some of the most common myths in the world of wine, demystifying this often confusing subject and challenging some long-held assumptions. Keep reading for their expert insight and to find your new favourite bottle or grape variety.

Myth: rosé should be served ice cold

“It’s a common misconception that rosé needs to be served ice cold,” says M&S winemaker Belinda Kleinig. “Serving it too cold can mute its fruity aromas and hide the flavours. The optimum temperature to enjoy it is between 7-13°C, so it’s best to take it out of the fridge around 15-30 minutes before drinking it. That said, if it’s a sweltering hot day, there’s no shame in adding a few ice cubes to your glass – even us wine experts do that!”

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Myth: red wine should never be served cold

Some lighter red wines benefit from being served slightly chilled, as it can bring out their fruity flavours. This is especially true during the summer months. “About half an hour in the fridge should do,” says M&S winemaker Sue Daniels. “Many of these are lighter-bodied and higher in acidity, such as Pinot Noir, Grenache and Cinsault. My favourite is our Found Marzemino, from northeast Italy – it’s beautifully light and fruity.”

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Myth: pale pinks are better

Pale, Provençal-style rosé is enduringly popular, but the pale colour isn’t always a marker of quality. There’s a whole spectrum of medium-pink, dark and sweeter rosés which taste amazing and are great for pairing with spicy Asian dishes (a notoriously difficult match). Try our Abertura Vinho Verde Rosé alongside katsu prawns or fiery ramen. Opting for a darker hue is also a good bet if you want to enjoy a glass of pink all year round, rather than only saving it for summer.

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Myth: Orange wine tastes like oranges

While it’s growing in popularity, orange wine is still relatively unknown. “Despite what the name suggests, it has nothing to do with oranges!” says M&S senior wine buyer Joseph Arthur. “It’s made from white grapes which are fermented with their skins on, which gives the wine its beautiful amber colour and unique rich, complex flavour.” Inspired to give it a go? Try our Found Verdil, which has hints of citrus and iced tea with a bracing freshness.

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Myth: the best wines only come from bottles

The traditional glass bottle may still dominate, but innovative formats like wine boxes and cans are well worth a try. Wine from a boxed pouch will last longer when opened, and the packaging is more environmentally friendly. Try our boxed Mystery Bay Sauvignon Blanc, with its crisp flavours and subtle gooseberry notes.

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Myth: wine goes off the day after it’s been opened

Lighter wines, such as whites and rosés, will generally keep for up to three days in the fridge once opened, while fuller-bodied reds may keep for up to five days. Sparkling wines, however, are best consumed within one or two days to maintain their bubbles – and putting a teaspoon in the bottle won’t help retain the fizz!

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Published 11.1.2024