A lot of people drink wine, but don’t know a lot about wine. Don’t let that be you. With just a little information, you can be a true wine connoisseur. The following tips are here for that purpose, and can help you know a bit more about the drink you enjoy.
Read up as much as you can on wine through books and magazines. In these works, you will find that some of the best wine connoisseurs in the world rate some of the most popular wines. This will help you to decide what wines you want to buy if you have yet to try them.
Trust yourself when you experiment with wine. If you already know that you can’t stand Merlot, don’t buy a bottle just because someone gave it a good review. This will only result in you wasting money on something you knew you might not like ahead of time.
If you plan to learn about and collect wines, invest in proper storage. Wine is best when kept in a cooler, more humid environment. Many people prefer to build out a basement or cellar for storing wine. However, if your needs are smaller, there are many options for in-home storage on the market.
All wines do not taste good while at the same temperature. White wines are better when they are cold, while red wines should be a little below room temperature. Drinking them at the wrong temperature can change the way they are supposed to take, which may change your overall opinion.
Bring along your wine resources with you to the store. There is so much information on wine out there, and bringing along different source materials can help you make better choices. Items like brochures, magazines, books, and websites have great information to pick the best wine for your plans.
Purchase your inexpensive wines from a warmer climate. While there is no one rule for buying wines, in general, those from warmer climates have the most flavor and appeal. Consider France, California and regions in Australia when making your selection. This is a great way to make a quick choice in the grocery store and come home with a bottle that your guests are likely to enjoy.
If you are new to the world of wine, consider attending a wine festival. Festivals are a wonderful way to meet other people with an interest in wines and try several varieties without breaking the bank. You can also get some great ideas about pairing wines with foods. The fun and festive atmosphere also provides for a great date night out.
Think about what you like before you splurge on expensive wine. Although you will hear all kinds of different opinions from your family, friends, and wine experts, the truth is that individual preferences always vary. Even if you like cheap wine, stick with it. After all, the most important thing is to drink what you enjoy.
If you find a wine, you enjoy a lot, consider buying a case or two of it. A case of wine is almost always less expensive per bottle than buying each bottle individually. You can keep the wine for yourself and enjoy it on a regular basis, or you can have it on hand to give as gifts.
Know whether the wine you wish to store away will age well. You will need to research the type of wine that you have and the longevity that it will stay useful, even in the best conditions. One tip is that Bordeaux wine will store and age very well.
Planning your visits in advance will allow you to get in the door and sample some of the best wines. Set a budget and make sure someone else will drive you home. Make sure you are well prepared with questions and preferences prior to your visit.
Color doesn’t matter when it comes to lighter wines. Red and white wines are similar in alcohol content. That being said, the whiter wines are more smooth and go down easier. If a light wine is really what you are looking for, your best bet is likely a nice Pinot Grigio.
Keep a journal just for wine. The easiest way to keep track of the wines that you enjoy and the ones that you do not like is to keep a list of them. You can also include the foods that you drank them with so that you can repeat the experience if you like.
If your recipe calls for cooking wine, think twice before purchasing this product, which is found next to the vinegar at your local grocers. Cooking wine contains little or no alcohol, and often contains extra salt and additives that can wreak havoc with a potentially tasty dish. Instead, opt for a wine that does not have “cooking” in its description!
Don’t stick to the old rules about which color wine goes with which food. Color is not as important as taste. There are some red wines, like certain pinot noirs, that taste great with fish. Other times, you may find a white wine complements your steak better than a red.
It can be much more economical to order an entire bottle of wine when dining with friends. Keep in mind that having six glasses means you’re drinking a whole bottle, so be sure to share. You’ll save money this way and will be able to sample a great number of wines.
No one can be a conoisseur overnight, but now that you have these tips you are that much closer to being a wine pro. Just use the tips in your everyday life to help you think of wine in a new way. You will be sure to be rewarded; enjoy!
