Have you ever been to a restaurant with the intention of buying a glass of wine, only to be handed a binder full of selections to choose from? Well, it’s times like these where knowing a bit about wine can go a long way. Read on and learn some valuable information about wine.
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.
Take a trip out to a vineyard. If there is one located close to you, make it a day trip. If not, consider taking a short vacation to go out and explore. An adventure such as this may help you appreciate and love wine even more than you did before.
Don’t be afraid of sulfite warnings. American distributors are required to place these warnings on their labels. While it is true that some may experience an allergic reaction to sulfites, remember that you are not likely to have one if you have been exposed to them before.
Various factors determine the proper temperature for white wines. Not all white wines have similar textures, meaning some are served better at different temperatures. Sauvignon blanc is at its best when chilled, but chardonnay and pinot gris are better at a warmer temperature.
If you enjoy wine, consider planning a trip to visit wine country to see your favorite wines created in person. The beauty of wine country will allow you to relax and enjoy taking in this information. You will leave with a better appreciation of your wine!
Don’t be afraid to try something new. Once a particular wine catches on with the public, it is often found in mass on the market. It can be hard to find a good wine when there are so many sub-par labels on the shelves. To combat this problem, try wine from lesser known regions. You may be surprised at the quality.
It’s easy to keep your Spanish wine fresh. However, depending on which kind of Spanish wine you have, this method can vary. Rioja will last up to seven years. Keep this particular bottle of wine in a cool and dark location that is convenient for you so that you can enjoy it anytime you want.
When you are opening wine, make sure that you do not open it too fast. The sound that you want to get when you open it is not a pop, but a sigh. This will maximize the safety in the room when you are opening your bottle of wine for the evening.
Wine tasting is something that all of your friends or family can enjoy if planned accordingly. While some are geared more towards adults, others provide beverages and activities for members of the family of all different ages.
If you’re about to drink a very young red wine, a recent vintage, hold the stem of the glass and swirl it around. This lets all the flavors, and aromas come out of the wine while oxygen is introduced to the wine itself. This softens the tannins and makes for a great drink.
Do not store your wine in places where it can be exposed to a lot of light. When wine is exposed to light, it starts to gradually break down. Placing your wine in a cool, dark place is the best way to assure that it will be good for a longer time.
It is important to let a red wine breathe. Breathing affects the wine’s flavor as well as its smell. That is why it is important to use a decanter for your red wines. The decanter is designed to have a large amount of wine exposed to air. This helps the wine wake up and regains its full aroma.
Rather than settling on cheap champagne when on a tight budget, buy a nice sparkling wine. A great wine from Australia will be reasonably priced and comparable to champagne, whereas a lower-priced bottle of the real bubbly will probably not have a very good flavor. Consider switching out options rather than trading down too far.
If you are making wine for the first time, it is important that you stick to the recipe. As you become more skilled, you will know the basics of what to do. Over time, you will be able to make adjustments, which means that you will be able to make the wine your own.
When visiting notable wine producing areas, make sure to stop in at smaller wineries. There are many different types of wine that you have yet to discover. Also, you won’t find these smaller wineries in your local supermarket so it is a great opportunity to stock up.
Don’t buy cheap bottle for cooking wine. A good rule of thumb is – if you won’t drink it on its own, never cook with it either. Wines specifically made for cooking are often poor alternatives that have preservatives and different colorings in them. And even cheap table wines can be just as bad. These are not the tastes that will make your food better.
Never bring any outside food or drink to a wine tasting. Most wine tastings have snacks you can munch on while you are trying the wines. It is very disrespectful to your fellow tasters as well as the host if you pull out items that were not offered at the event.
As you now know, there is a lot of information to deal with when it comes to wine. However, when you have the right information and put in a little effort, you can be a wine expert in no time. Just make sure to enjoy your wine education, as it is supposed to be fun!
