Do you have a friend who knows about the best life has to offer? Would you like to be that person for a change? There is a lot to learn about wine and you also need some time to develop your own appreciation for this beverage. Read the article that follows to learn more, so that you can become the cultured friend.
2 young smiling couples sitting at garden table, man pouring wine — Image by © Elie Bernager/Onoky/Corbis
You need to be friends with your local wine store. Every one 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. Find a wine shop that fits you well.
Windex is excellent for removing wine stains. It gets the stain out faster than soap will. It is crucial to target the stain immediately since waiting will allow the stain to begin setting in.
When purchasing wine, think about your tastes and preferences. Professionals will offer different opinions, but it all boils down to your specific taste. If you love a cheap wine, then buy and enjoy! After all, the goal is to drink something you enjoy.
Always pursue variety in your wine buying. Drinking wine can broaden your cultural horizons. Consider trying a wine recommended by someone you trust, or simply browse around and read information available on cards on the shelves. You can never predict what you’ll find as a favorite!
The idea that white wine must be chilled is simply a myth. Not all white wines are similar in texture and they may have a different temperature for ideal servings. Chardonnay and pinot gris are two wines that benefit from being served warm, while sauvignon blanc is best served chilled.
Know whether the wine you wish to store away will age well. Learn about the wine in your possession, particularly its longevity, so that you will be able to use it when you are ready. Bordeaux is a wine that is meant to be aged, and doing so can really add to the flavor.
Stock your wine cellar with a variety of labels and types of wine. Red wine won’t do it for everything. Be a good host and have a variety of wines available, including red, white, sweet and sparkling.
Listen to wine experts, but do not allow them to dictate what you do. The best wine experts also listen to other people’s opinions. They might not have the same tastes as you. This means you should acknowledge your own tastes before that of an expert.
Effervescent wines and champagne are meant to be served chilled. The full flavor will not be imparted if these wines are served at room temperature. Put champagne in the fridge for at least an hour prior to drinking.
Consume white wines that are young and in their first couple of years. The only exception is Chardonnay. This is because you do not usually need oak for the fermentation of white wine. This applies in the reverse way for wines that are darker in color.
There are many wines that pair well with desserts. A wine that accompanies dessert dishes is usually a sweeter variety of wine than the wines for the main course. Varieties of port wines have a natural sweetness, complementary to most sweets. These wines taste best when served at 55 degrees.
Tilt your glass as you begin to drink a new wine and examine its color. Swirl your glass around and bring it to your nose in order to pick up every scent. You should then take a small sip of the wine, taste it and spit it back.
If you’re somewhere where you’re drinking wine, it’s possible that someone will wish to have a toast. Of course, it is tradition to all clink your glasses after the toast. If done incorrectly, your glass could shatter. This could lead to some embarrassment and quite the mess. To avoid a mishap, angle your glass just a bit so the bell of your glass is aligned with your partner, but the rim points away from their glass.
You should now have more knowledge to impress people with. You can now purchase your wine with confidence, and make thoughtful conversation with other wine lovers. All you need is to become educated to start.
What is your favorite wine? Let us know in the comments below.
