Frequently Asked Questions

If we have missed an explanation below, please email wine@poplargrove.ca and our production team would be happy to provide more information.

What causes the crystals on a wine cork, or sediments in the wine bottle?

These are naturally occurring deposits of tartaric acid and are unavoidable in Poplar Grove wines, particularly reds. They form slowly and very naturally over the course of bottle aging, and have no negative effects on the wines or consumption. The presence of these sediments is an indicator that Poplar Grove wines are not heavily manipulated, as the only way to prevent them is to aggressively filter the wine and potentially damage the flavours and aromas in the process. Here is the definition of Tartaric Acid from Wine Spectator.

What is the best way to store wine?

Wines are best stored laying on its side, in a cool environment (10 – 12 degrees centigrade), in darkness or at least out of direct sunlight. Ideally the storage area will have relatively high humidity (60% to 70%), but storing on the side of the bottle will help prevent corks from drying out in less humid environments.  Loud noise or intense vibration should also be avoided.

These conditions become more important the longer the wine is stored. Wines to be consumed within a month after buying do not need to be stored so precisely, but wines intended to cellar for months or years need to be kept in a cool, humid, dark environment. It is also advised to store wines in stable conditions, even if they do not precisely meet the above criteria. Storing consistently slightly too warm (16-18 degrees) is preferable to rapid and extreme changes in storage conditions. See Wine Spectator for more information.

Should I decant my wine?

Poplar Grove reds (or older vintages of Chardonnay) do benefit from decanting and it is recommended to decant for a minimum 10 minutes prior to serving. Some wines like our Legacy and Benchmark can see benefit from 30 to 45 minutes decanting (or longer).

How should I store open bottles of wine?

Open bottles of wine should be stored in the fridge (both reds and whites). If the wine can be put into a smaller container, this is ideal. The less air that is inside the bottle with the remaining wine, the longer the wine will last. Wine pumps can also be used to remove air from bottles, and many different styles are available in wine shops or department stores.