Have you ever had a glass of wine? If you’re like most, the answer is probably yes. However, you probably don’t know much about the wine you are drinking, other than the color. Wine has a rich history and is a vast topic that involves geography, climate and grapes. Here are some solid tips for learning more about this drink.
Particularly if you are just discovering wine, don’t buy too much of any one thing. You may want to grab several bottles of whatever you enjoy, but as you continue learning more, you are going to start to like different things. You probably won’t be interested in the wine that you enjoyed several months ago.
Keep in mind that the color of the wine is not always the same as color of the grapes that are used to make it. The color results from the process of wine making and it is the skin of the grape used in the process that gives an individual wine its final color.
Do you need a wine all your guests will enjoy? Instead of choosing a rare wine people might not appreciate, choose a Beaujolais, a Chilean, a Sauvignon or a Cava from Spain. These wines are easy to find and offer enough diversity to remain interesting for connoisseurs without making novices feel like they are sophisticated enough to enjoy the wine.
You can easily make a mulled wine with only a few ingredients. You will need a bottle of red wine such as Merlot, Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon, a peeled and sliced orange, a quality brandy, honey or sugar and a few spices including whole cloves, cinnamon and ginger. Combine your ingredients into a slow cooker. Then, heat for 30 minutes and enjoy!
Keep around a variety of wines. Don’t just stock the basic red or white. Be a good host and have a variety of wines available, including red, white, sweet and sparkling.
Expensive wines should not be your exclusive choice. If you are really looking to find new wines that meet your tastes you should experiment with wines from all price points and ratings. Sticking with expensive wines is a waste of money and could prevent you from finding the perfect wine for you.
When you are in a restaurant, do not feel too shy about ordering a wine that is not the most expensive. Sommeliers choose great wines for the restaurants they work for, which means that the more inexpensive choices should taste just as good as the ones that cost quite a bit.
Don’t be afraid to experiment when it comes to enjoying a good wine. Sure, we all have a favorite stand-by, but that doesn’t mean something different cannot be enjoyed as well. If red is your go-to wine, investigate the possibility of a Pinot Grigio tonight or be really daring and try something you’ve never even heard of!
Never hesitate to advise your sommelier of your spending limits. Many people think that this is inappropriate or embarrassing, but he or she is actually well-versed in the selection process based upon price. Allow a little leeway in the recommendation, but don’t break the bank over a non-existent social norm.
If you are cooking with wine, the type of dish you are making indicates whether you will need a dry or sweet wine. For savory dishes, always choose a dry wine. If you want a dry white wine, try a chardonnay. Dry red wines include merlot and pinot noir.
Price is not synonymous with quality when it comes to wine. Many wines have increased prices due to outside investment sources and start-up costs. They’re not always priced based on reputation or quality. Be sure to use your resources when shopping for a wine to give you a better idea of pricing and what to look for.
If you have a winery close by, think about getting on its mailing list. That way, you will be able to keep up with special wine tasting events, discounts or other deals they may be running. By subscribing to their newsletter, you can stay apprised on the latest news and events.
Keep in mind that the largest wineries do not necessarily have the best wines. It is often best to visit the smaller wineries in your area if you want affordable prices. You will also get the occasion to taste wine with a small group and have a guide who has time to answer your questions.
The best wine tip I’ve ever heard is, “Love the wine you’re drinking and drink the wine you love.” If you like a certain grape varietal, region of the world or vineyard, drink from there! You don’t have to stray outside of your comfort zone if it means you’ll not enjoy the wine you drink.
It is important to let a red wine breathe. Breathing affects the wine’s flavor as well as its smell. That is why it is important to use a decanter for your red wines. The decanter is designed to have a large amount of wine exposed to air. This helps the wine wake up and regains its full aroma.
If you want to serve fine wine for a special occasion during a restaurant outing, consider the restaurant’s BYOB rules. Due to the poor economic downturn, most restaurants allow you to bring your own wine and pay only for corkage. This allows you to bring more affordable or specialty wine that the restaurant doesn’t offer.
Wine is a drink that is also a complex subject. The tips in this article have hopefully helped you to learn more about it. Now you know more and can choose different wines and perhaps start cooking with it. The more you know, the more you can appreciate this fantastic beverage.
