When it comes to wine, there are literally hundreds if not thousands of different types to choose from. Determining what wine is best suited for you can be quite difficult if you are new to this world. Luckily, the following article can serve as an excellent starting point for anyone who is serious about getting into wine.
A good tip when trying to research wines is to find a critic or expert that has a similar palate to you. Everyone’s tastes are different and that includes critics. Try to find a critic that likes similar wines and you’ll be amazed with all the new wines you’ll be introduced to.
Go to wine tasting events. This is a great way to discover wines that you will love without purchasing a whole bottle to see how much you like it. Many times wine cellars and wineries offer wine tasting as part of their tours. Wineries are a great vacation destination, and you can bring home a souvenir bottle.
If possible, make an effort to go out and visit wine country at least once a year. There really is no substitute for visiting a vineyard and drinking a glass of wine in its natural element. You’d be surprised how much better the wine will taste and it will also allow you to see how the wine is made.
Expensive wines should not be your exclusive choice. If you are really looking to find new wines that meet your tastes you should experiment with wines from all price points and ratings. Sticking with expensive wines is a waste of money and could prevent you from finding the perfect wine for you.
If you are going to a party or a gathering, and you would like to bring wine, try to stick with something that is not too strong. Pinot Noir is a great choice for occasions like this, because it goes with most food. Regardless of what the host is serving, he or she should appreciate it.
When purchasing a wine for dinner tonight, make sure to ask in the store if the wine is ready to drink. Some wines need to age in order for their true flavor to come out. This might mean months or even years should go by before the bottle is enjoyed. By asking if the wine is ready to drink, you have a better chance of walking out with a bottle you will enjoy.
Avoid wines on the eye-level shelf in your wine store. Often, these shelves will be “sold” to larger local wineries that can afford to put their wine in the prime shelf position. Smaller wineries that offer some great wine selections are usually relegated to the upper or lower shelves in the market. Don’t be afraid to experiment.
When thinking about a wine to pair with your meal, do not forget to include champagne and other sparkling wines. They can range from very sweet to very dry. Usually these wines go well at the beginning of the meal. It pairs well with salty snacks and light dishes like cheeses and fruits.
When shopping for wine, look for bottles you will drink. Do not let an expert or a seller influence your purchase. There is no use in spending your money on an expensive bottle if you will not have the occasion to drink it or might not enjoy this particular wine.
Sweet wines are referred to as dessert wine. They often have alcoholic additives in them to make the flavor even bolder. This creates a syrup-like wine which is great in small doses. Pairing it with a savory dessert creates the best course of the meal, so try it at your next dinner party.
When selecting a red wine, you need to give the wine a chance to breathe after opening. This gives the wine more time to interact with the oxygen in the air. If you are pressed for time, pour the wine through an aerator and into a decanter so that it breathes properly first.
Becoming a wine expert is no easy feat, and it doesn’t happen overnight. However, if you use the advice mentioned in the article above, you are well on your way of becoming a wine connoisseur in your own right. Just remember to have fun during your wine education and be sure to drink responsibly.