It can be very impressive to be able to peruse a long wine list and actually be able to make sense of it. There is a large amount of information available about wine and this article is a good beginning. Continue reading so that you can learn some excellent knowledge on wine.
Wine goes extremely well with pasta dishes. To choose the perfect wine remember that red wines work best with heavy sauces such as tomato sauce. Pair white wines with white sauces and salads. For basil pestos and other meatless dishes, you should opt for a complimentary wine such as a rosé.
Have a plan prior to picking your wine. Be sure you know which wine you’re looking before to avoid getting overwhelmed by brands, varieties, and prices. Certain wines fit dinners and others better fit large parties. Knowing which wine suits your needs can help you choose a better wine than browsing and choosing something on a whim.
If you are new to the world of wine, consider attending a wine festival. Festivals are a wonderful way to meet other people with an interest in wines and try several varieties without breaking the bank. You can also get some great ideas about pairing wines with foods. The fun and festive atmosphere also provides for a great date night out.
Allow red wines to warm up. Often, red wines are stored at temperatures near 60 degrees. The best temperature for serving red wines is above 70 degrees, which allows the full body of the wine to be present. When you open a bottle of red, allow it to sit and come to room temperature before drinking.
Don’t worry about trying to identify all the flavors in a wine that you are tasting. Some people have a natural affinity for this while others do not. Try to focus instead on how much alcohol is in the product, as well as what type of fruit may be included. Over time, you will probably be able to get a good feel for these elements.
Wine is a popular accompaniment for your holiday gatherings, and it is important that you choose the right variety to complement your entree. Generally, white wine goes well with chicken, turkey or seafood, and red wine is the best choice when the menu features beef or pork as the main entree.
After opening a bottle of wine, you may end up losing the cork on the top (especially if you pop the cork). You can still save your bottle by using cling wrap and a rubber band to keep the top sealed. Refrain from drinking the wine if it has been left for over one or two days.
Take the advice of wine critics with a grain of salt since you may have entirely different tastes than they do. Many people rely on critics to give them advice on what wines to select, but they end up disappointed. Only do this if you are sure that you and the critic have very similar palates.
If you enjoy a glass of fruity wine, why not try out a blackberry Merlot. Merlot wines are the most popular red wines on the market today. Merlot wines offer hints of fruit flavors along with hints of cedar. If you are looking for a delicious fruity wine, give Merlot a try today!
Here is a little bit of wine history for you: wine has been around for as long as 7,000 years! Egyptians are the first civilization we know of to have records of drinking wine, and those date back to 2,500 B.C. They created wines much like we do today, including bottling the beverage and storing it.
Always know which wines are seasonal. Throughout the year, different wines may increase in popularity depending on the holiday or season. Port wines are an excellent example of this, as they tend to increase in price in the weeks leading up to Christmas. When you know wines by their seasons, you can purchase them off-season and save.
Your sense of smell greatly affects taste, so breathe deeply as you take your first sip. Slurp the wine to get the best possible taste. Swish the wine around your mouth gently to taste the salt, sweet, bitter and acid tones. Inhaling the smell while swishing it around your mouth can bring all the flavors together and give you the full effect of the wine.
On your next restaurant outing, avoid paying too much for a bottle of Chardonnay. It is America’s favorite wine, and restaurants often take advantage of its popularity by charging more than it’s really worth. Consider affordable and other great-tasting alternatives such as Grüner-Veltliner or something less popular like Riesling.
Understand the aging process before you purchase a more expensive bottle of wine. Most wines that are age-sensitive cost a lot more, but are best enjoyed after a certain time. Some people expect the pricey wine to be delicious right off the shelf and this will not be the case with a better winery.
Maintain a journal containing your impressions of various wines. This will help you organize and remember the wines that you like the best, so you try similar wines in the future. Have a pen and paper handy at all times to be on the safe side.
If you are choosing wine to accompany a restaurant meal, you can use your food choice as a guide. Red meats usually call for red wines. Fish, chicken and salads go better with white. If you have a party with a wide variety of dinner choices, try ordering wine either by the glass, or get a bottle of red, one of white and a rose to accomodate everyone.
As stated earlier, a great knowledge of wine can make you seem sophisticated, but it is easier said than done. Use the advice given here to choose the right wines every time. Soon you will be able to have a clear understanding of wine.
