Wine is an alcoholic beverage that is popular all over the world. Because it is made from fermented grapes, there are literally all kinds of combinations of wine you can enjoy. If you love all the different types of wine, read the below article for some tips on maximizing your enjoyment of it.
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.
Get to know your local wine shop. It is important to know the difference in shops. Each shop offers you unique selections and varied pricing. When first stepping into the wine-tasting world, finding a shop that sells only the most expensive brands isn’t a great idea. Find a wine shop that fits you well.
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.
Keep a wine journal. Write down the names of wines that you taste and what you think of them. Over time, this will develop into a great resource for you. It is also nice to look back and see where you came from and what direction you are headed in when it comes to your wine preferences.
Choose your food and wine pairings carefully. Typically, white wine is suitable for light dishes, salads or fish. Red wine goes well with heavier dishes and dark meats. The rule of thumb is the heavier or darker the dish, the darker the wine that you choose. If you have having a multi-course dinner, start with white wine and progress to red wine.
Take notes on any wine you try. if you are really getting into wines, you’ll be tasting dozens of them over the course of the year, easily. It can be tough to keep track of what your impressions are on certain bottles, especially if they shared many similarities with only subtle differences. Making notes will help keep you on track.
Lots of people like to have a drink after their dinner, and dessert wines can be ideal. A good desert wine to pick is California Port, Champagne, or a Moscato. Your dinner guests will love sitting by a warm fire, enjoying their wine and having a great conversation.
If you’re looking for a lighter wine, color doesn’t matter. White wine contains the same percentage of alcohol as red wine. That said, white wines tend to be smoother and easier to drink. The lightest alternatives are Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc, so those may be good choices for your table.
Most people cannot afford a wine cellar in their home, but that does not mean you cannot create an atmosphere that is conducive to storing a few great bottles of wine. Try to store you wine in a darker location where the temperature will remain fairly consistent. Doing this will preserve the quality of your bottles of wine until you are ready to drink them.
Carry a map or some sort of direction for your given area. Some of the best wine venues are incredibly organized and easy to navigate, while others are chaotic and will lose you in the twits-and-turns. Print off a map of your designated area, and you’ll never miss that perfect shop just around the bend.
If you are cooking with wine, don’t hesitate to ask the wine shop-owner/manager for advice. He or she has likely tasted most of the wines available, and can give you an educated suggestion for wines that will enhance your recipe. The shop may even have wine on hand for tasting.
After opening a bottle of wine, you may end up losing the cork on the top (especially if you pop the cork). You can still save your bottle by using cling wrap and a rubber band to keep the top sealed. Refrain from drinking the wine if it has been left for over one or two days.
The body of a wine is a great way to pair it with a dish. The “body” of a wine refers to how substantial the wine is. It often also correlates with the alcohol content, with fuller-bodied wine containing more alcohol than a lighter wine. Heavier dishes should be paired with a full-bodied wine, as a lighter wine runs the risk of tasting watery when paired with something like a hearty steak.
Occasionally, you may wish to explore different combinations. There may be wine options that you have not thought of. You may play it safe; however, avid wine lovers aren’t afraid to try new things.
Buy your favorite wine by the case if you can afford to. Buying by the case can save you hundreds of dollars a year if you drink a lot of one particular wine. This is only a good idea, however, if you are certain that you would buy that much wine over time anyway.
Try not to stock up on wines. You might be tempted to fill your home with the kind of wine you love, but what happens if your tastes change? Buy a few bottles, but don’t go all out unless you are committed to limiting yourself to a certain brand or type.
If you need to save wine for another day, cork it and stick it in your refrigerator. The coolness in your fridge will help slow down all of the chemical changes happening in your wine. It’s best if you can finish that wine off within a day, otherwise you may find it tastes quite different than when you uncorked it.
As was already stated in the introduction, wine is an extremely popular alcoholic beverage. Millions of people enjoy this beverage every single day. If you need to unwind from your hectic day, enjoy a glass of wine. Utilize the tips provided in the above article in order to make the most out of this glass.
