Puzzled about wine? Anything you would like to know about your favourite tipple? We will try and answer all your questions about etiquette, formality and the making of wine. Send us your questions to editor@goodtaste.co.za.When we have an answer for you, it will be published here on the site.
Your Wine Questions
What is the correct way to say ‘espresso’?
Question:
I know this is not exactly a wine question, but what is the correct way to spell the name of that strong Italian coffee? Espresso or expresso? Please settle an argument.
Question: I own an old cork puller that consists of two thin springy prongs that slide down the sides of a cork so that the cork can be removed undamaged. I’ve always thought it was called something like an ‘Ah-So’. A friend told me it is actually called a ‘butler’s friend’. Which is correct?
Question:
I have heard that our winemakers produce some of the world’s best fortified sweet wines, but when would one drink them? After a meal? With the pudding? On its own?
Question:
I sometimes read that a magnum of wine has fetched an astronomical price at an auction. If a magnum bottle holds the equivalent quantity of two regular bottles, why should it cost much more than twice the standard bottle price?