Is there anything more glorious and empowering than picking out a single, perfectly chosen wine from an extensive list of options? Wine is a broad subject to learn, but this article is a great place to start learning. Keep reading to learn what you must know.
Get to know your local wine shop. This is essential since they differ from each one. Each shop has a different selection, pricing structure, and overall focus. If you are just getting started in drinking wine, going to a store with a bunch of expensive bottles may not be for you. Look for a shop that best suits your needs.
Keep in mind that while some individuals are billed as experts when it comes to wine, no one knows everything. Your personal preferences are your own. You may like something that an expert really hates. Make up your own mind and have fun trying new things and experimenting. You won’t regret it!
Select the right glasses when tasting wine or serving it. It is best to use a clear glass so you can look at the color of the wine. Choose a glass with a long stem and a round shape so you can easily swirl the wine. You should avoid using glasses that can contain more than twenty two ounces.
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.
Before storing wine, you should know that not all wines age well. Do some research on the wine type you have and how long it will stay good. For example, Bordeaux ages marvelously if stored properly.
Don’t just go for wines that are expensive or highly-rated. This can be a real temptation if you have a lot of disposable income, especially when once you did not. Rather, drink a lot of styles of wine so you can choose the ones you personally consider the best. Fill your cellar with these, regardless of price, label or popular opinion.
Keep a journal just for wine. The easiest way to keep track of the wines that you enjoy and the ones that you do not like is to keep a list of them. You can also include the foods that you drank them with so that you can repeat the experience if you like.
Only drink wines that you like. In some high-priced eateries and wine bars, restaurateurs push a proprietary or “celebrity” label rather than encouraging a more complete selection. These are usually priced up to 20 times wholesale. Remember, not all expensive wines taste better. Know the kind of wine you like and order that.
It’s not always easy to be a wine aficionado. Use the information you have read when you buy your next bottle of wine. You will know all there is to know about wine before you know it.