There is a lot to learn about wine; from which type complements a meal best, to the most appropriate bottle for the specific occasion. A lot of websites will help you and this article can as well. If you keep learning, you’ll become a better sommelier.
Know how to navigate the wine store. This can be very important because they all differ. Selections and prices can vary, depending on the store you are in. Going to stores full of pricey wine bottles may not be best for those new to wine. Find a wine shop that fits you well.
Consider attending wine tastings. They are lots of fun and can introduce you to things you may not have otherwise tried. Why not turn it into a social outing and take along some friends? Bring along wine-loving friends. You may be able to strengthen the bonds of friendship while indulging in your new hobby at the same time.
If you want your wine to taste the best, make sure the temperature is right. Red wines should be served at 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Begin by having wine at about 58 degrees and letting it warm up in a glass. If you are serving a white wine, chill it to 47 degrees. Serving a white wine too warm can result in a dull taste.
Don’t allow the warnings on labels about sulfites scare you. Every wine contains sulfites, but these days American distributors must warn about them on the label. Sulfites are capable of causing allergic reactions rarely, but if you have never noticed a reaction, you are likely to be fine.
Some wines do not age well, and it is important to know this before you decide to store it. Understand the wine you have purchased before making this determination. Bordeaux is an example of wine that ages well.
It’s best to have many wines on hand at home. Stocking up only on a single type, such as Pinot Noir or Zinfandel, is far too restrictive. You’ll become a better host to guests when you have many kinds of wine to offer.
Try the Internet out for size and join a wine-tasting forum. You can learn many things for other connoisseurs, and you might be able to teach them something as well. You may discover your new favorite wine through the suggestion of a friend.
Many kinds of wine go great with desserts. Usually, wine you would have with a dessert is sweeter than those used with a meal. Port wines, like ruby port and tawny port, have a natural sweetness to them that makes them go well with desserts like chocolate. For best flavor, serve them at about 55 degrees.
Try purchasing different wines to find ones that you enjoy. Drink different wines to avoid boredom. Try getting wine from a different region, or maybe a different type of wine altogether like a Chianti. Not only will you spice things up, you might also discover a new favorite that is more affordable than your old go-to bottle.
When you have a solid knowledge base about wine, other information should not be difficult to learn. There are some guidelines as to how to choose the perfect wine, but really it all comes down to personal preference. Find out which wines go well with your needs and allow your taste buds do the talking. Remember the tips in this article, too.