Charles Le Bel Recipe

Select the bottle

Choose a bottle of Charles Le Bel white wine (or a similar dry white blend). Inspect the bottle to ensure the cork or screwcap is intact and the wine has been stored upright in a cool, dark place.

Prepare glassware

Select four clean white wine glasses. Rinse them briefly in cold water and allow excess water to run off so the glass is slightly chilled.

Create an ice bath

Fill a bucket or large bowl with 4 cups of ice and about 1 liter of cold water to make an ice bath. Place the sealed bottle of wine into the ice bath, making sure it’s submerged up to the neck.

Chill the bottle

Let the bottle sit in the ice bath for 15–20 minutes. This brings the wine to an ideal serving temperature (around 45–50°F / 7–10°C) for most dry white wines.

Open the bottle

After chilling, remove the bottle from the ice bath. Wipe the neck dry with a clean cloth. Using a corkscrew (or by unscrewing the cap), open the bottle carefully and discard the cork or cap.

Pour and garnish

Pour the wine into each chilled glass, filling about one-third to one-half full to allow aromas to concentrate. If desired, float a lemon wheel on the rim or place it on the side of the glass as a light garnish.

Serve

Serve immediately while the wine is at optimal temperature. Suggest guests swirl briefly, sniff to appreciate the aroma, and take small sips to evaluate flavor progression.