Fine Waters, the book written and documented by Michael Mascha, reveals us some of the secrets held by water sommeliers. Yes, there are also water sommeliers who can recommend you a specific type of water depending on the food, temperature, time of the day, occasion etc., just like a wine sommelier. In fact, Michael Mascha used to be a renowned wine sommelier whose doctor ordered him to stop drinking alcohol, and this why he switched to an area totally harmless for health.
Shall we add ice or not?
Rather not. Ice is one of the drinks enemies, especially in the case of mineral water. Unfortunately in Romania there are only a handful of bars where mineral water ice is served. Preferably water is served at room temperature, cold or with ice made with the same type of water. For example, in Bucharest there is a bar where AQUA Carpatica also becomes ice in order not to alter the taste of water or cocktails: Flair Angel.
Special glasses
Long gone the time when the water glasses were the most ordinary on the table or even worse they were the wine glasses. We have a whole collection on Pinterest suggesting ideas for ideally drinking water with style.
Florence by Varga
Storage
The sommeliers recommend water be stored in dark and cool places, such as wine cellars, at around 12-13 degrees, that is also the perfect serving temperature for most still mineral waters. We also recommend that water in any type of recipient be stored away from sunlight or toxic substances.
Clarifying
If the mineral water is bottled, there is no need for clarifying. It is microbiologically pure, clear and has no substance to settle.
Serving temperature
In order to really feel the differences between the tastes of mineral waters, sommeliers recommend various temperatures for mineral water, depending on the carbonation degree. For example, the still water is ideally served at 12 degrees, the light sparkling water at 13-14 degrees, the medium sparkling water (such as AQUA Carpatica carbo) at 14-15 degrees, and the Forte sparkling water at 17 degrees.
Lemon?
Yes, if you do not want to feel the taste of water, in particular. As a matter of fact, lukewarm or room temperature water helps digestion.