There are a number of factors that determine what wine is right for different occasions and types of cuisine. While the Internet and books are great resources for wine information, this piece is also helpful. Make sure to remember these tips at your next social occasion.
Look for a good wine by comparing ratings. Wines that have even the most modest of followings should be rated. You can easily find wines by rating online and usually in liquor stores as well. The higher the rating the better the wine should be in both quality and taste.
When looking for a great bottle of wine, do not instantly go for the most expensive wines in the store. While the cost of a bottle is one indicator of the flavor and quality, there are also many others. Take the time to try a few inexpensive brands, and they just might surprise you!
If you want to keep wine for long periods of time, you should consider investing in a wine refrigerator. Even if you have a dry and cool basement you can use, temperature will still vary slightly from one season to the next. The wine you store will keep its flavors if it remains at the exact same temperature.
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.
If you are in the market for champagne for a wedding or other festive event, consider a sparkling wine instead. Sparkling wines are typically from California, and they taste similar to a Champagne. They are almost always less expensive, making it easier to afford a large quantity for big events.
Some wines do not age well, and it is important to know this before you decide to store it. Do some reading on the wine that you purchase and how long it can be stored. Bordeaux, for example, ages very well.
Step outside of your comfort area when you order wine when eating out. If you want to impress the people you are having diner with, it is best to choose a wine they will not recognize. This will create a fun atmosphere when it is time to taste the wine.
If you can’t stand the taste of a certain wine, don’t drink it! Certain bars and restaurants, especially ones related to a celebrity or two, might promote particular brands. These usually carry an exorbitant mark-up, however, sometimes as much as 20 times the wholesale price. More expensive prices don’t automatically mean an increase in quality. Know what kinds of wine you enjoy and stick with those.
After you build up a solid foundation of the basics of wine, you’ll find it easier to learn the details. Although there are rules to follow, you generally should just stick with what you enjoy. Learn the basics of how to select a certain wine with meals, then let your personal taste guide you. Don’t forget this article’s tips.