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.
Simply because a bottle of wine is more expensive than another does not mean that it is necessarily better. You don’t have to buy the most expensive bottles of wine that you find. Try wine at all different price levels. You may like something better that is less expensive than what you usually buy.
When looking for a great bottle of wine, do not instantly go for the most expensive wines in the store. While the cost of a bottle is one indicator of the flavor and quality, there are also many others. Take the time to try a few inexpensive brands, and they just might surprise you!
If you plan to learn about and collect wines, invest in proper storage. Wine is best when kept in a cooler, more humid environment. Many people prefer to build out a basement or cellar for storing wine. However, if your needs are smaller, there are many options for in-home storage on the market.
Be very experimental when you are purchasing wine. Sampling new wines is a wonderful way to explore new regions and varieties. Sample one that a shop person recommends, or experiment with one because of the talking card near it. The wine you find might be a hidden gem.
If you often find yourself stumped when you visit the wine store, consider purchasing an app for your smart phone. These apps are generally inexpensive, and they can provide valuable information such as reviews of various wines or pairing ideas for certain dishes. They are very user friendly, and you will always have the information you need on hand once you purchase your app.
Go global in your wine selecting process! Previously, fine wines were considered to be exclusive to certain countries. These days, however, nearly every continent is producing a delicious wine. Limiting yourself to only France or Italy will keep you from enjoying amazing new creations from places like Australia and Brazil!
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.
Don’t shy away from ordering or buying a bottle of something that you can not pronounce the name of. The clerk is not going to care. If they own the business, they are happy to make the sale. If they just work there, they are watching the clock until the end of their shift and will not remember you in an hour anyway. Don’t deprive yourself of tasting new wines because you can’t speak the name.
If you are not sure of what type of wine, you like, it would be a good idea to go to a wine tasting. This will give you the opportunity to taste a large variety of wines without having to spend a lot of money on entire bottles you may not like.
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!
You should have some clear goals in mind when shopping for wine. Establish a budget and make a list of the different occasions you will need wine for. Shopping for wine can be a lot of fun but do not get carried away by an enthusiastic seller who presents your wines you will have no use for.
Pair spicy foods with sweet wines. Especially with the heat of Thai and Indian food, you will want to stick with dry white and red wines that are sweet. Some great pairings include Chenin Blanc, Gewurztraminer, and Riesling. If you choose Riesling, try going with a German brand since their higher acidity doesn’t make the sweetness seem as apparent. These wines act as palate cleansers to help you enjoy the spiciness of the meal.
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.