For those less comfortable knowing how to choose a good wine, here are a few pointers that can help you choose a quality wine by yourself.
When you go out for dinner, many restaurants have certified wine specialists who can assist you in selecting the perfect bottle to complement your meal? This comes in handy if you love wine, but you’re not totally sure what to drink with your dinner. However, going out for meals is not something you can do every day. So, what happens when you’re browsing the shelves trying to pick a wine, and you don’t have a connoisseur to help you out? For those less comfortable knowing how to choose a good wine, here are a few pointers that can help you out when you’re trying to choose a quality wine by yourself.
With a few simple tips, you can choose a good wine.
New to Wine? Start Simple
Personalized subscription services like Firstleaf wine reviews are perfect for helping people decide on the types of wines they prefer without wasting money and time on bottles from the store.
Services do this by studying your tastes and preferences. They offer six-bottle shipments that you rate after drinking. This allows them to categorize the wines and helps them suggest certain types that match your taste buds. And you’re far more likely to enjoy it than what you reach for at random. This lets someone else choose a good wine for you.
Just as your food preferences change and mature over time, so does your choice of wine. According to a study at Sonoma State University, when people first begin to drink wine, they tend to prefer a rosé wine or a sweet white. Then, as their taste buds become accustomed to the drink, they tend to veer towards drier whites and reds, and wines with more distinctive flavors. So starting with rosé or white wine is a good place to start for total beginners.
Rosé wine is a great place to start when new to wines.
What is the Occasion?
Certain wines go better with certain foods and different occasions. For example, are you choosing a bottle to enjoy by yourself, or are you hosting a dinner party with friends?
Every wine can serve a different purpose, which means you can be influenced by the event. In this instance, ask yourself the following questions when you’re next out shopping to choose a good wine:
Do You Want Wine to Go With a Meal?
If you’re searching for a bottle that complements the food you’re cooking, the general rule of thumb is:
- White wines go with lighter dishes, like fish and chicken
- Red wines go with heavier dishes, like lamb and beef
Think about what you plan to serve if you want a wine to pair with your meal. Photo courtesy iStock by Getty Images
Do You Want Wine to Please the Crowd?
If you’re looking to satisfy all of your guests and pairing with food isn’t the be-all and end-all, consider picking up a bottle of each both red and white. Everyone has different tastes, and wine preferences can be subjective. Having one of each will allow you to cater to all palates.
Make sure you choose types that fall in the middle of the spectrum when it comes to acidity, body, and sweetness, as this balance is more likely to appeal to all of your guests.
If you have a crowd coming over, pick a red and white wine to offer a variety.
Always Read the Back of the Label
For those who don’t know much about different wines, it’s tempting to choose a bottle based on the labels that look the most attractive. But before you grab the prettiest bottle, it’s important to take a minute to read the back of the label to find out about its origins, ingredients, and taste.
The back label will provide you with a wealth of information such as intensity, dryness, lightness, and fruitiness. You can then match wines with your particular palate. This is a great place to start when you choose a good wine without a lot of upfront knowledge.
Articles Related to How to Choose a Good Wine
- Discover the Best of Texas Wine
- New Mexico Wine
- Lubbock Texas: A Wine Destination to Watch
- My Favorite Sparkling Wines: Bubbles for Every Occasion
- Wandering Wine Country Festivals in Winter
- Best Guided Winery Tours in Napa and Sonoma
- Coeur d’Alene Boasts Wines From Top-Notch Idaho Wineries
- Wine Chat with Wine Expert Leslie Sbrocco
- Washington Sparkling Wines
Find Your Favorite Wine
There are many wines out there, and it can sometimes take a while for you to find your perfect bottle. By implementing these tips, you’ll be able to thoroughly enjoy the brilliant flavors that various wines can offer. If you need more help to choose a good wine, be sure to check out Wander for more of our wine suggestions from our informed wine experts.
0 Comments