Recently, more and more people have become fans of wine tasting. It’s not just for rich snobs; wine is fascinating and a great pastime. The ideas presented here can set you on a path to enhance your existing knowledge. They should help both the novice and the experienced wine drinker.
A Pinot Grigio goes nicely with seafood. The wine can really help to bring out the flavor of the food. White wine in general is also a good choice to pair with seafood. Try a bottle with your next meal, and you will probably find that you enjoy the combination of flavors.
You can listen to your “gut” when you are experimenting with wine. Do not buy a bottle of expensive wine just because a friend said it was pleasant. This will only make you waste your money on something that will sit on your shelf.
Try to arrange a tasting before you make a purchase, no matter how well reviewed a wine may be. There are a ton of wines out there; you do not know what kind you will enjoy. Do not buy a case at first.
What you like when it comes to wine is what is most important. Wine professionals may have strong opinions about which wines are best, but ultimately, your own palate is all that matters. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that all inexpensive wines are bad. After all, the most important thing is to drink what you enjoy.
The warnings for sulfite on wine labels should not scare you. Wines have sulfates in them but only in America do they have warnings. Sulfites can cause allergic reactions in some rare occasions but you should not worry about sulfites if you have not noticed any reactions before.
If you plan to drink your wine at a casual event away from home, you should get a bottle that does not need a corkscrew. Caps that just need to be twisted are easier to open and eliminate the need to drag a corkscrew around with you. Screw tops will also conveniently re-seal your wine and keep it fresh after your tailgating is over.
Try different things when you are going out to buy wine. Trying a new wine is an excellent way to learn about new countries and wines. Try a wine that has been recommended to your or that you have read about on your own. It could end up being your next favorite wine.
Keep around a variety of wines. Limiting your options to only one type of wine does not make for much variety when company comes over. Be a good host and have a variety of wines available, including red, white, sweet and sparkling.
Drink just the wines that appeal to you. Occasionally, promotions will endorse certain company lines. These usually carry an exorbitant mark-up, however, sometimes as much as 20 times the wholesale price. Remember, not all expensive wines taste better. Know what you like and drink that.
Vintage is when the grapes for the wine were harvested. A wine that is labeled 1990 would of had its grapes harvested in the year of 1990. Once the grapes are harvested they are fermented and stored in barrels to age until the wine is ready to be bottled and sold. The wine may not have been on store shelves for a couple of years.
One smart tip when buying wine is to remember to experiment. Change up the wines that you purchase to try something new once in a while. Consider picking a wine from another country, like South Africa. You may find it’s cheaper, too.
The proper method for storing wine depends on its type and region. Many drink Rioja in the U.S. and that can last up to seven years after it’s bottled. Store it in a cool, dark area until you’re ready to drink it.
If you have never done a wine tasting and don’t collect, the tips here are going to help you begin a new journey. The love of wine is an ideal hobby, combining elements of history, geography and the love of fine foods. Some wine drinker stereotypes have diminished lately and anyone can enjoy some vino.