Knowing your wine and the best way to consume it is part of what makes the experience worthwhile. As a newbie in wine tasting, you may come across a bottle of wine that is slightly different from what you’re used to. Well, all you probably need is a little tweak here and there, and the taste is perfect! In this article, we will share useful wine tips you should have in your arsenal as a wine taster or lover of wine - everything about wine and savoring every sip.
What are the types of wine?
If you are new to wines, the first thing you want to know is your wine. Knowing which is which will ensure you’re not lost when your wine-loving buddies are sharing their wine experiences. Here are the common types of wine:
- Rosé Wines: Examples are grenache, mourvèdre, and sangiovese.
- Full-bodied White Wine: Examples are Chardonnay, Oaked, and Ribolla Gialla.
- Medium-bodied Red Wine: Barbera and Merlot.
- Light-bodied Red Wine: Pinot noir, Blaufränkisch, and Gamay.
- Full-bodied Red Wine: Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah.
- Dessert & Fortified Wine: Noble rot, Vinjak, Late Harvest, Port, Ice wine, Sherry, Madeira, and Straw Wine.
- Aromatic White Wines: Riesling, Moscato, and Gewürztraminer.
- Sparkling Wines: Méthode Classique, Champagne, Sekt, Lambrusco, Prosecco, Cava, and Penina.
- Light-bodied White Wine: Pinela, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling Italico, Zelen, and Pinot Grigios.
What Wine Accessories do I Need?
Whether it is for an event or a good old-fashioned glass of wine after a long day, there are tools you need to make short work of any wine bottle. These include:
Wine Opener
You certainly do not want the struggle of opening a bottle of wine without an opener. While there are ways to do it, trying to get the cork out of the bottleneck is time-consuming and exhausting. A wine opener is an easy and straightforward way of removing the cork without any fuss.
Wine Glasses
The importance of using wine glasses can't be emphasized enough! Wine glasses improve how great wine tastes by enhancing the aroma of the wine. Furthermore, wine glasses manipulate the angle at which the wine pours into your mouth which gives it the finest taste.
Wine Cooler
Wine coolers are recommended for storing your collection, long-term. Wine refrigerators aren't exactly inexpensive but they get the job done. They help to maintain the right temperature range for your wine (Red wine; 50 to 68 degrees while White wine ranges from 41 and 49 degrees). It is imperative that you buy the best wine cooler so ensure that you do your homework. With a wine cooler, you have cold wine on-demand. Some people prefer wine cellars, but these are generally more expensive.
Features to Look out for In Wine Accessories
Below are a few features to survey while you're picking the right tool for your wine:
Wine Glasses
A typical wine glass has these four parts - the rim, bowl, stem, and base. There are specific wine glasses designed to suit particular categories of wine (Red, White, Dessert, Sparkling, and Rose wines). However, if you prefer an all-purpose wine glass, you can either get a stemmed or a stemless one.
Wine Openers
Although there are different options, the most common types of wine openers are wing corkscrew, air pressure pump, electric wine opener, lever screw, waiter's corkscrew, twist & pull corkscrew wine openers, and more. Pick the option that best suits you and you are good to go!
Things to Consider as a new Wine Enthusiast
In your journey as a new wine lover, you need as much guidance so you don't make easily avoidable mistakes. Here are some essential tips that will help you:
- Don't stop experimenting. Also, try different flavors that you typically like.
- Take notes of all the wine flavors and types your taste buds sing to.
- Locate the closest wine store you can find in your region.
- The age of wine doesn't matter - good wine, in fact, tastes better with age.
- Don't fret about prices. Some wines are just that good!
- You can join or start a wine tasting club online or offline to learn more about wine.
- Subscribe to emails from your favorite wine store. Some stores offer discounts, promos, events, and free tastings.
- Store your wine at the appropriate temperature.
- Look out for house wines that you can keep around if you like keeping yours long-term.
In Conclusion
Wine is as old as mankind itself. And apart from drinking it, you can also use it to cook some delicious recipes. Know your wine and savor every sip of just about any you can lay your hands on.
