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.
If you are really passionate about wine, you should consider visiting a vineyard. You will learn a lot about how wine is made, what makes a flavor unique and even get a chance to witness the production of your favorite wine if you visit a vineyard during the right season.
Find someone else who enjoys wine. It could be an employee at a store you go to often or an online blogger or critic whose opinion you respect. This individual can help you figure out what to try next, particularly if you are stuck in the rut of simply drinking the same thing over and over again.
Do not write a certain wine off just because a wine tester does not like it. Just like with many other beverages, certain wines require an acquired taste. Even if he or she does not like it, you may find it to be to your liking. See if you can get a sample of it before buying a bottle.
Not all wines age well, so make sure to take this into account when storing your wine. You must conduct some research into whether your wine will stand the test of time, even if stored correctly. Bordeaux is an example of wine that ages well.
Cold temperatures are best for sparkling wine or champagne. A white wine served at a different temperature will not expose the flavors that you deserve to experience. Refrigerate your beverages for at least a couple of hours before serving them.
For a spring picnic, evening at the race track or other outdoor events during seasonable weather, your best bet is a sparkling wine. Take your pick of bubbly’s like a nice Asti or Champagne and complement it with mild cheese, fresh bread and fruit. Remember to bring flute glasses too, to make the experience complete.
Ask if you can taste a few wines before buying. Most wine stores will offer tastings to their customers on a regular basis or set schedule. By trying a few varieties in the store, you can increase your chances of walking out with a bottle you really love. This is a better way to shop than buying blindly.
Do not drink wines you do not enjoy. Don’t be swayed by celebrity endorsements and high prices. These wines may be overpriced, some twenty times their normal wholesale cost. Higher price tags do not always mean higher quality in a wine. Find out what you enjoy and then stick to that.
Do not purchase a huge amount of wine that has currently caught your fancy. This a common mistake, but you should try to keep in mind that you will likely develop a taste for different wines rather quickly. Therefore, you may enjoy a particular wine right now, but it is possible that you might not later. This can waste valuable storage space and leave you with many bottles of wine you will never drink.
When dining out, don’t be afraid to ask your server if there is a wine expert in the house! Chances are good that someone will have the perfect recommendation to complement your meal. Tell them what you are having and give them a general price range, and you should find yourself with a great bottle to go with the meal.
Ensure you are drinking your wine when you are relaxed. If you want to capture the real flavor of wine, the ambiance should be soothing. Make sure you’re in the right type of setting when you’re judging the wines.
Many people think that the only wines that are worth drinking have to cost an arm and a leg. While there are a lot of great wines out there that cost an awful lot of money, there are just as many good tasting wines that are much more moderately priced.
You should have some clear goals in mind when shopping for wine. Establish a budget and make a list of the different occasions you will need wine for. Shopping for wine can be a lot of fun but do not get carried away by an enthusiastic seller who presents your wines you will have no use for.
Let wine breathe before you drink it. Use a carafe or decanter for serving. First, pour wine into the container. Let it sit for around 10 minutes. Try it and then compare it to a sampling straight from the bottle. There should be a lot of difference in the two.
Spilled some red wine on your gorgeous white linen tablecloth? The first step is to pour soda water on the spot. No soda water on hand? White wine will do. Blot it with a paper towel to soak up the liquid, then wash it in bleach and cold water to get the stain out.
Visit a wine tasting festival next time one is held in your area. It’s a great way to enjoy the company of a few friends and can provide you with a mini-education on wines. Try different varieties and make sure you bring a notebook to mark down which types you really enjoyed!
When stocking your wine collection at home, opt to purchase experimental bottles before buying full cases. With such a vast number of different wines out there, you want to expose yourself to as many wines as possible before committing to a case. Keep your collection full of ‘educational’ bottles.
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.
