Wine is a very versatile beverage that has been around for a long time. It can be used to cook with, and it can also be paired with cheeses or an entire meal. If you don’t know much about wine and the different ways it can be used, then this is the article for you.
Keep a wine journal. Write down the names of wines that you taste and what you think of them. Over time, this will develop into a great resource for you. It is also nice to look back and see where you came from and what direction you are headed in when it comes to your wine preferences.
Read everything you can get your hands-on with respect to wine. Not only are there books available, but the Internet is a great resource as well. Check out blogs and reviews. New ones are coming out all the time, and they can be very valuable in helping you select wine that you might enjoy.
Choose your food and wine pairings carefully. Typically, white wine is suitable for light dishes, salads or fish. Red wine goes well with heavier dishes and dark meats. The rule of thumb is the heavier or darker the dish, the darker the wine that you choose. If you have having a multi-course dinner, start with white wine and progress to red wine.
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.
A decanter can be a useful product to have. If you have not been able to get one, or if you do not like them because of the time involved in using them, think about getting an aerator instead. They fulfill similar functions, and they are often easier to use.
Have an idea of how much you want to spend on your wine in mind before you enter the store. A wine store can be a very confusing space with lots of shelves filled with various varieties. By having a price point in mind before you shop, you can narrow down what you are looking for and walk out of the store without spending too much.
Join a wine forum online. You can learn a lot from others that are passionate about wine, or you can share your tips with them. A fellow member may lead to the discovery of your favorite wine.
Try to drink a white wine when it is still young. Chardonnay is an exception to this rule. These wines are not stored in oak barrels and therefore do not richen in taste as they age. The reverse is true for the many varieties of red wines.
Whenever serving wine, it is imperative to have the right stemware. The stemware should look the part and sparkle. Keep your stemware clean and prepared for the next tasting. It’s time to buy some new pieces when you notice chips or when the stemware becomes outdated.
Drink wine because you enjoy it. Many eateries or bars push their own labels. However, these brands are usually marked up way above their wholesale value. A high price is no guarantee of a high quality wine. When you find something you truly enjoy, stick with it.
Tilt your glass as you begin to drink a new wine and examine its color. Swirl your glass and lean in to breathe in its aroma. The next step is to sip the wine, just a little will do, and then spit it out.
If you are cooking with wine, don’t hesitate to ask the wine shop-owner/manager for advice. He or she has likely tasted most of the wines available, and can give you an educated suggestion for wines that will enhance your recipe. The shop may even have wine on hand for tasting.
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.
Explore all of the possibilities when pairing wine with food. Sometimes you’ll be surprised by how well one food goes with a certain wine. Many may choose to play only by the “rules”, but the real fun is finding the new combinations that unexpectedly tickle your palate.
A great tip you should remember about wine is to store it at the right temperature. A lot of people make the mistake of keeping their white wine too cold. This makes it painful to drink because it hurts your teeth. Red wine should be kept at about room temperature.
When at a restaurant, don’t order one single glass of wine. Six glasses of wine are in a bottle, so share a bottle instead. This will reduce the amount that you spend during the night.
Spilled some red wine on your gorgeous white linen tablecloth? The first step is to pour soda water on the spot. No soda water on hand? White wine will do. Blot it with a paper towel to soak up the liquid, then wash it in bleach and cold water to get the stain out.
As you can see, wine can be used in a variety of different ways. It can be used to prepare your meal, as well as accompanying the meal itself as a stand-alone beverage. Use the advice from this article to help guide you the next time you buy a bottle of wine.