There have probably been numerous occasions in your life that asked for a bottle of the best wine. However, do you know all the important factors that determine how you should serve, taste or store wine? The following article is equipped with some of the best tips on the net to help you learn more about this wonderful drink.
Do not buy large quantities of a wine you like. Your preferences will change quickly as you discover new wines and you might regret spending your money on a wine you will eventually come to consider as average. Purchase small quantities and keep trying new wines to expand your horizons.
Trust your instincts when you try a wine. Just because someone recommends a pricey wine that you might not otherwise drink doesn’t mean you can go against your own preferences for no other reason. You don’t want to end up spending money on a wine you may not like.
Do you need a wine all your guests will enjoy? Instead of choosing a rare wine people might not appreciate, choose a Beaujolais, a Chilean, a Sauvignon or a Cava from Spain. These wines are easy to find and offer enough diversity to remain interesting for connoisseurs without making novices feel like they are sophisticated enough to enjoy the wine.
You should know that old bottles are often worthless. You could try selling it to another wine connoisseur, but most buyers look for large quantities. Keep in mind that serious buyers will want to know everything about the provenance of the wine you want to sell, which is not always feasible if you found a bottle in your basement.
Contrary to popular belief, not every white wine needs to be chilled when served. They are not the same and have different serving requirements. Some wines such as sauvignon blanc should be served cold but a chardonnay or a pinot will taste better at room temperature.
Go to wine tastings when you can. Wine tastings are the best place to test your pallet against the many different types and brands of wine. You can even find some that are free, but do remember to spit your wine. You can not accurately tell the taste of a wine once you begin to become intoxicated.
Read up on wine during your free time. The more that you learn about wine, the better you will be at picking new wines to add to your collection. There is a lot to know, so spend time learning when you can if you want to become a true wine connoisseur.
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.
If you are serving champagne or a sparkling wine, then make sure they are extremely cold prior to serving. Otherwise, they lose flavor and appeal. Chill the champagne in your fridge for an hour or so prior to drinking it.
A good tip when purchasing wine at the supermarket is to know how to pick out the right wine. In the wine aisle, you’ll often find a lot of huge jugs of wine. This type of wine isn’t very good so you’ll want to cross all of those off your list.
Avoid the temptation of stocking up with all your favorite wines. You may wish to stock up, but usually wine tastes change continuously. Even if you’re in love with a certain wine right now, you may not enjoy it later on. This could lead to an abundance of wine, which could cost you a lot of money.
Don’t be afraid to experiment when it comes to enjoying a good wine. Sure, we all have a favorite stand-by, but that doesn’t mean something different cannot be enjoyed as well. If red is your go-to wine, investigate the possibility of a Pinot Grigio tonight or be really daring and try something you’ve never even heard of!
Pair spicy foods with sweet wines. Especially with the heat of Thai and Indian food, you will want to stick with dry white and red wines that are sweet. Some great pairings include Chenin Blanc, Gewurztraminer, and Riesling. If you choose Riesling, try going with a German brand since their higher acidity doesn’t make the sweetness seem as apparent. These wines act as palate cleansers to help you enjoy the spiciness of the meal.
Let any recently uncorked wine breathe for a bit. Giving the wine time to settle helps bring out the rich flavors of the beverage. Use a decanter for this. Pour the wine into one and then let it sit for about a quarter of an hour. You’ll find the wine much more delicious after doing so.
Never hesitate to advise your sommelier of your spending limits. Many people think that this is inappropriate or embarrassing, but he or she is actually well-versed in the selection process based upon price. Allow a little leeway in the recommendation, but don’t break the bank over a non-existent social norm.
If you are cooking with wine, the type of dish you are making indicates whether you will need a dry or sweet wine. For savory dishes, always choose a dry wine. If you want a dry white wine, try a chardonnay. Dry red wines include merlot and pinot noir.
This article has helped you get started in discovering the wonderful world of wine. There are many things you need to watch out for to ensure your next bottle of wine is served and stored right. Use what you’ve just learned and apply it to your next gathering for optimal success!