Wine is something traditionally associated with celebrations and fine cuisine. The more you know about wine and its uses, the more you can enjoy your time sipping, cooking and serving it. Read on to find out more.
Consider joining a wine lover’s discussion forum. Many of these sites have a plethora of great expertise available. First, take the time to read a few threads to see if this is your sort of community.
Keep whites and reds in their proper glasses. For example, if you are drinking white wine, use a narrower glass, which will keep a lot of warm air away from the surface area of the wine. Reds, on the other hand, like to be served in a wider glass, with a large mouth. The rich flavors of red wines will awaken as the wine warms up to room temperature and is exposed to air.
Screw Tops
If you plan to drink your wine at a casual event away from home, you should get a bottle that does not need a corkscrew. The reason is because you can manage screw tops easier than corks because you don’t need a wine opener to open it. Screw tops will also conveniently re-seal your wine and keep it fresh after your tailgating is over.
Do not be afraid to experiment when choosing wines. Try a new wine to develop an appreciation for it as it travels over your taste buds. You can try a wine that the shop owner recommends, or choose one from a different region, or use the information given by the talking card in the wine store. You might just stumble on a new gem.
If you really love wine, consider traveling to wine country so you can see how wine is made firsthand. Wine country is beautiful to visit, and you’ll also appreciate the wines you enjoy more while learning lots of interesting knowledge about them.
Try to have a large assortment of wine in your arsenal. Stocking up only on a single type, such as Pinot Noir or Zinfandel, is far too restrictive. Store sparkling and sweet wines in addition to rich reds and whites so that you always have something your guests will enjoy.
Sparkling wines and champagnes must be served very cold. When you drink these beverages at room temperature, you’re not going to get their full taste. When you put the champagne in the fridge about 2 hours before it will be served, you will really notice the difference.
Dessert Wines
Dessert wines are a great choice for post-dinner drinking. There are many dessert wines including California Port, Italian Moscato and French Champagne. Dessert wines are great for sitting by the fire and enjoying intellectual conversations with friends.
Planning your visits in advance will allow you to get in the door and sample some of the best wines. Before you go, find a designated driver, and do not spend too much. You should write up a list of the things you would like to know before you go, and be sure to think about the type of wine you love so the winery can make suggestions.
If you’re looking for a lighter wine, color doesn’t matter. Red wines and white wines have equal amounts of alcohol. White wines are usually easier and smoother to drink. Two lighter, smooth wines are Pinot Grigo and Sauvignon Blanc. Both are excellent choices!
When purchasing wine, try to mix things up occasionally to broaden your horizons. Drinking the same wine all the time can keep you from discovering new ones that might be better than your current favorite. Experiment with different wines until you discover what exactly you do and do not like. Some wines are cheaper than others, so you might find something you like that won’t cost you as much.
Wine has graced fine tables for a multitude of years. It is worth spending the time to learn about wine so that you can maximize your enjoyment. Hopefully you now have a strong foundation to continue your journey into the wine world.
