If you are new to drinking wine or were thinking about starting, it’s hard to know where to begin. There are so many different grape varieties to choose from, which one is best? Then there is domestic versus imported, sweet versus dry, figuring out where to start can be overwhelming.
MarketVew has some great suggestions on just where to begin. Here are some of their suggestions:
- When you are new to wine, start with a white or rose – Most people who are just starting to acquiring a taste for wine often prefer something on the sweeter side like many white wines or a rose
- Reflect on other flavors you enjoy – Do you prefer apple juice or grapefruit juice? Apple juice lovers are more likely to enjoy sweet white wine, while grapefruit juice lovers will find their match in dry white wine. Does your favorite dose of caffeine come from a latte or black coffee? Black coffee drinkers are more likely to enjoy an Old World wine — that is, wine that comes from France, Italy or Spain. If you prefer a latte, try a New World wine from the United States, Australia or South Africa.
- Purchase a wine for a particular dish – The common rule is white wines go with light fare like chicken or fish. Red wines are served with beef or lamb.
- Read the label – Wine labels can really tell you what you can expect from the high and low notes of the wine’s flavor palate.
- Don’t stress over the age of the wine – it’s common to think that older is better but that is not the case. Only some wines taste better with age. Properly aging wine depends on many factors, including the wine’s region as well as the amounts of tannins, sugars and acids it contains. In general, aging is more important for red wines but any wine you purchase at the store will be ready to drink.
These tips are a good place to start while you become familiar with wines and what they have to offer. If you find you are enjoying the experience of drinking wine, consider attending one of the free educational classes that are offered at many of the larger wine retailers like TotalWine.com.
Cheers, Salute, Sante and Salud!
*Previously posted on July15th
Monday: What do you look for when buying a dash camera for rideshare drivers?
