Essential Wine Shopping 101

Do you want to start exploring the world of wine but aren’t sure where to start? We’ve got you covered. 

Everyone has a unique opinion on what defines a good wine. Whether you prefer sweet, delicate, or bold flavors, these wine tips can help you find a wine that your taste buds will adore. 

If you are a beginner wine drinker then  the first thing you need to learn is the primary differences between white and red wine. 

What Is White Wine?

White wines have just as much diversity in flavors and styles as red wines. They are made from yellow or green grapes. The most common style of white wine is dry white wine. Experts recommend Chardonnay for wine beginners. 

Common white wines include:

• Riesling

The tasty Riesling comes with intense aroma even when it is ice cold. The aromatic wine is known for its orchard fruit aroma which can come from flavors like pear, apricot, honey-crisp apple, and nectarine. Aside from its fruity scent, you may also smell striking fragrances like lime peel, honeycomb, and jasmine.

• Pinot Grigio

Pinot Grigio is a world-famous wine that can come with a punchy taste of honeysuckle, limes, lemon, and green apples. According to Vine Pair, Pinot Grigio stands as the second-most famous wine in the United States. Like most white wines, Pinot Grigio is best served cold, which makes it an incredibly refreshing drink on a hot summer day.

• Chardonnay

Chardonnay wine is a balanced white wine that can combine flavors like papaya, pineapple, and lemon.

• Pinot Blanc

Pinot Blanc is a dry wine that is high in acidity. It is a great partner to seafood, chicken, salad, turkey, and fish dishes. 

What Is Red Wine?

Red wine comes from red grapes. Drinking red wine comes with high levels of antioxidants compared to white wine. Common red wine types include:

• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Merlot
• Pinot Noir
• Malbec
• Garnacha
• Zinfandel
• Syrah or Shiraz

How to Choose a Wine?

1. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. 

Any good wine shop has credible staff that can assist you. Ask them to help you select a wine based on your taste preferences and budget, instead of picking a random one from the shelf.

1. Consider the meal that you are going to drink your wine with.

For instance, Chardonnay complements well with pasta, salad, and clams; while bolder flavors like Cabernet Sauvignon is excellent with meat dishes such as beef and lamb. 

1. Plan ahead.

Are you having a party with your friends? Is it for casual drinking after work? Planning can help you determine the right type of wine. Always think about the reason why you are going to drink wine.

Understanding basic information about wine can help you when wine shopping. Relying solely on the bottles’ labels and descriptions can make your wine selection difficult. But now that you have learned the basics, finding the right wine for your taste buds is no longer a problem.