If you’re a newbie wine drinker who has enjoyed the odd glass of wine with company or while out dining, it may be tricky to get out there and choose a decent wine while there are hundreds, if not thousands of options at local supermarkets. Take a look at the recommendations below that will serve as a good starting point for your wine adventures.
Discover What Works For You
Knowing what type of wine you enjoy is crucial to purchasing vintages that you will prefer. Going to a wine specialist is the right approach for this. The benefit of this is that most reputable specialized shops offer weekend samples where you may taste a number of bottles at their sampling station and be certain that you will take home the wine that you like. Wine specialty store employees are often much more informed than those working in shopping malls or supermarkets. If you don’t have access to a decent wine store near your house, host a wine and cheese event and ask your guests to bring along a few bottles of wine to compare in a relaxed and friendly setting. Shop at online marketplaces like Underground Cellar for extensive lists curated for your budget to supply your parties.
Know The Big Four
The “Big Four” grape varieties that are grown for wine account for 80% of all wines produced. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are grapes for red wine, while Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are white wine grapes. Due to the tannins found in the Cabernet Sauvignon, it is more robust and enjoys a greater mouthfeel, while the Merlot will have a somewhat fruitier and silkier flavor.
Sauvignon Blanc is light and somewhat more acidic, whereas Chardonnay is richer and has a broader mouthfeel. Given how many types of wines are produced from these four grapes throughout the world, knowing about the Big Four will establish a solid wine foundation for you. Once you’ve gotten a taste for these wines, there are many additional bouquets produced from different grapes that are well worth your time and money.
Expensive Doesn’t Mean Best
This is among the most frequent wine misunderstandings. People often choose goods with a higher cost, according to research, such as a bottle of wine, although their choice seems to be mainly driven by the perception of better-quality owing to the greater cost. Many consumers, on the other hand, enjoy the flavor of a less costly wine. Why? Some wine consumers enjoy the flavor of the residual sugars found in cheaper wines. Sugar can imitate richness while also reducing acidity, resulting in a taste that appeals to a wider range of people.
This easy-to-follow newbie guide to purchasing wine will get you started on your journey to discovering and appreciating excellent wine. Always keep in mind that the truest definition of excellent wine is one that you like. So go out there and taste as many different wines as you need to, and you’ll quickly amass the vast base of knowledge you’ll need to properly enjoy your wine adventures.