When it comes to wine, you probably know that it should simply taste good. However, are you aware of all the ways you can care for and choose the best wine? If not, this article is jam packed with great advice to help you get started with the world of wine!
Avoid buying trendy wines. You may hear a lot of buzz about a new wine; however, this does not make it right for you. Just because a celebrity is seen drinking a wine, this does not make it noteworthy. The real truth is in researching the wine itself and knowing if it suits your palate.
It is a good idea to purchase just one bottle to determine whether you like a new variety of wine. You might want to try many different types first, as there are a bunch to choose from. Once you find a wine that you love, you can invest in purchasing a case.
Keep around a variety of wines. Stocking up only on a single type, such as Pinot Noir or Zinfandel, is far too restrictive. Expand your collection to include white, red, sweet, sparkling, fruity and floral recipes.
If you have a wine cellar and you need a bottle for a party of special occasion, do not bring it upstairs until the day of the event. Wine needs to be brought up the day of the event in order to reach room temperature. But, bringing it up to soon could ruin the wine.
When cooking with wine, let your recipe help guide your choice. If you are simply using wine to de-glaze a pan, a splash of just about anything will do. However, if wine is a main ingredient, such as in Coq au Vin, you may want to splurge a little to do the dish justice.
Have a basic idea of what kind of wine you like. Even if you are not sure of what brand, winery or region you prefer, it is pretty easy to determine if you prefer a blush, red or white. By knowing just this basic fact, you can more easily determine which wines are worth trying for your next meal.
Don’t be afraid to try something new. Once a particular wine catches on with the public, it is often found in mass on the market. It can be hard to find a good wine when there are so many sub-par labels on the shelves. To combat this problem, try wine from lesser known regions. You may be surprised at the quality.
Most people enjoy pairing wine with a fancy dinner. However, it is imperative that you always choose the best tasting bottle of wine that you can afford. People often don’t realize that wine can make or break the quality of the dinner. When in doubt, it’s best if you don’t!
If you have a smaller space, you can create a wine cellar of sorts in an empty closet. Place racks in the closet to store the bottles on, and try to keep the door closed often to prevent light from entering. A closet will generally have a fairly consistent temperature, making it ideal for storing wine.
Pair spicy foods with sweet wines. Especially with the heat of Thai and Indian food, you will want to stick with dry white and red wines that are sweet. Some great pairings include Chenin Blanc, Gewurztraminer, and Riesling. If you choose Riesling, try going with a German brand since their higher acidity doesn’t make the sweetness seem as apparent. These wines act as palate cleansers to help you enjoy the spiciness of the meal.
When ordering a wine in a restaurant, let the type of restaurant be your guide. If you are eating in a French restaurant, it is best to order a French wine. If you are dining in a Spanish restaurant, choose a wine from Chile or other parts of South America. This will help you to order the best-quality wine the restaurant has to offer and also a wine that pairs well with your food.
A good tip if you’re offering wine at your restaurant is to make sure you pour the right amount of wine into a glass. This should go without saying but the right amount of wine to be poured into a glass should be a small amount, so that the wine has room to breathe.
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.
Need a lot of wine for a big wedding, party or other event? Consider buying Cava, which comes from Spain. This affordable style of wine never disappoints with its flavor, texture or price. There are many brands available, which will impress your guests and keep your budget well balanced, too.
A good tip that will help you save money on wine when eating out is to not be afraid of ordering the cheapest wine on the menu. A lot of people will avoid getting the cheapest wine to avoid looking bad, but restaurants know this and will exploit you for it.
As you can see, choosing, storing and serving wine is no easy task. It is a task which requires patience and plenty of knowledge before your next party, date or gathering. This article helped serve as a starting point, and make sure you apply all you’ve learned for optimal success!
