When it comes to wine, you may be surprised just how much information there is out there. With so many different types across the world, it may seem difficult to really know all there is to know about wine. Luckily, the following article can be used as a guide to help you learn the basics of wine selection.
Do not judge a wine on its year of production alone. Just because a wine was made a long time ago does not mean that it is a quality wine. Be sure to investigate the wine thoroughly so that you are not fooled into paying top dollar for a bottom shelf wine.
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.
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.
A great tip if you’re interested in buying wine is not to get too carried away with buying a lot of wine that you currently like. Tastes change all the time, and you might regret packing your wine cellar with a bunch of wine that you happen to like right now.
When serving wine at a dinner party, try to have at least one variety of red wine and one variety of white wine on hand. While many individuals are not particular to a specific region or winery, most will prefer a red or white. By having both on hand you are sure to please all of your guests with ease.
Understand the types of fruits that are used in your wine and the ones that you like. This can go a long way in determining your favorite types of wines, as you can look at the content before you purchase. This will allow you to filter out the wines that do not have the ingredients you prefer.
When buying wine for dinner, take into consideration the food you will be serving. As a general rule, red wines pair well with beef based dishes, while white wines work well with seafood and vegetarian dishes. If you are not sure about which wine to pair with your meal, ask at your local wine store to receive a little help.
Sangrias have become popular recently. To make the perfect sangria combine your favorite red wine along with lemon and orange slices. Then, stir in 2 tablespoons of fine sugar and a shot of brandy. Pour the mixture into a wine glass and add in a small amount of lemon-lime soda, ginger ale or club soda.
The lightness of a wine is not related to its color. There is as much alcohol in a red wine as a white. However, if you want a smoother wine, white wine is a better option. Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are the lightest options available, so consider them for your table.
Before leaving the house and hitting up the local venue, know what you are looking for and have a firm goal set in mind. Leaving without knowing exactly what you want might end up as a night spent hopping hopelessly from cellar-to-cellar. Have a goal ahead of time and when you find the selection that fits, purchase it and return home to enjoy the work.
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.
If you are out on a date or with someone you want to impress, do not order a wine that you have not had before. Try to order wine that you are familiar with, or know that you like. Be adventurous in your own time, when you are not out in public.
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!
Explore all of the possibilities when pairing wine with food. There may be wine options that you have not thought of. You could stick with what others say about pairings, but it’s a lot more fun to explore and be surprised by trying new things on your own.
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!
Go to wine tastings to taste new wines. Start attending wine tastings on a regular basis. You can learn so much about wine at tastings. No matter how delicious that first swig may be, don’t forget to spit. This ensures that you are able to focus on the flavors.
It should be stated, that you aren’t going to become a wine connoisseur overnight. However, if you implement the advice mentioned in the article above, you will be well on your way towards understanding the differences between many wines. Before long, you will be an expert in the field of wine.
