Nothing can make you look more sophisticated than looking at a large wine list and knowing the differences in the vast selections. Educating yourself on wines is the key, and the information provided here is a great place to start. Continue reading to increase your knowledge; thus, increasing your enjoyment of wine.
Develop a relationship with your local wine store. Every liquor store is different. Wine is a wide area, so each store will specialize in a certain kind of wines. Going to stores full of pricey wine bottles may not be best for those new to wine. Think about this when you are considering your next wine purchase.
Preserve the flavor of your wine by storing it properly. Having too hot or too cold temperatures can damage the flavors of any wines. For the best taste, allow the flavor of your wine to develop by storing it between 50 and 55 degrees. You can get a wine refrigerator, or you can simply store them in your cool basement.
Wine cellars are a wise investment for the serious wine drinker or collector. This can really be important when you spend a lot of money on a wine and you wish to have some later on. The wine’s quality is preserved in the wine cellar for an extended amount of time.
If you tend to drink wine with your meals and find you are starting to get headaches afterward, try reducing your wine intake. The sulfites in wine can cause headaches in some individuals. Drink water on off days, to filter some of the wine out of your system.
Use the right glass for your wine. White wines need to be placed in narrower glasses because it doesn’t allow warmth to reach the wine’s surface. Wide glasses are preferable when you are serving red wine. More air can enter the glass and react with the wine; this warms it and enhances the flavor.
Do not hesitate to experiment when shopping for wine. You can experience different regions by trying their wines. Try one that is recommended from a shop person, try a new region or try one based on the talking card next to a bottle on the shelf. You can always locate a new favorite!
Not every white wine must be chilled. The texture is one factor to consider in temperature choice. While sauvignon blanc is best served chilled, wines like chardonnay and pinot gris taste better at warmer temperatures.
Cold temperatures are best for sparkling wine or champagne. Drinking them around room temperature impedes their full flavors. Before you drink your champagne, be sure to chill it in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
When visiting a winery, be sure to plan out your trip in advance. Before you go, find a designated driver, and do not spend too much. Write out any questions you have and know which wines you enjoy.
Red Wines
The main difference between white and red wines are the colors and types of the grapes used. Purple grapes are used to make strong-bodied red wines. Lighter, crisper green grapes make white wine. This is only where the differences begin, but it is the foundation of the two most popular wines.
Only drink a bottle of wine that you truly enjoy. Some restaurants and bars might promote certain brands of wine. These are generally priced much higher then they should be. More expensive wines do not necessarily taste better. Drink what you like, regardless of price.
Many wines can be paired really well with desserts. Usually, wine you would have with a dessert is sweeter than those used with a meal. Port wines are naturally sweet, and they go well with chocolate and most desserts. To bring out the best flavor, serve it at about 55 degrees.
If you purchase wine from your local discount store, don’t be afraid of mixture. Avoid the temptation to stick with what you like, as you will soon get bored of it. Try a wine from another country, or buy another type altogether. You may save some money as a result.
The Internet can be a wonderful resource to teach yourself anything you would like to know about wine. Consider printing out some information that you find useful, and use it to help purchase your next bottle of wine. Use your knowledge to choose the best bottle of wine and never be afraid to ask trusted friends and relatives their opinions.
Be true to your own preferences when it comes to wine. If you enjoy it, it is good. This is the rule you should live by. Your taste buds, and your wallet, will thank you for forgetting about what the experts say is the “best” wine. If your friends don’t like the wine you like, then there will be more for you!
Wine is best enjoyed in a calm environment. There should be a soothing ambiance around you if you are trying to get the true flavor of a wine. Too much distractions can keep you from enjoying the wine.
Explore all of the possibilities when pairing wine with food. You never know what kind of dish might go good with a certain type of wine. Being an experimental wine connoisseur will help you learn what flavors are enhance by each type of wine.
Pinot Noir
If you can’t decide, go with the Pinot Noir. Versatile and not too heavy, Pinot Noir goes with any type of cuisine. Each Pinot Noir has a unique flavor, but you will find it to be a mild wine that is quite versatile and safe.
A lot of people forget sake is a wine too. This wine is made from rice, which is different from most. You can easily serve a good sake with entrees, appetizers or desserts. Sake, which has a distinctive, robust flavor, is ideal for supping between bites of stir-fry and sushi.
A bit of wine knowledge will turn you into a sophisticated drinker. Just using these tips will prepare you for learning more. Soon you will marvel at your own level of expertise on this fascinating – and always evolving – topic.
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