| Choosing wine can be a stressful event if you're | | | | as you can in order to get the best idea possible |
| new at it, but with some good pointers, even the | | | | of the aroma you're looking for. |
| novice can pull off a great wine choice. The truth | | | | 4. Cost and Alcohol Content. If you have been to |
| is, there are many different things to consider | | | | a decent wine shop lately, you've probably noticed |
| when deciding on a wine. For example, pairing wine | | | | that fine wine isn't only for wealthy people |
| with food for a dinner party is going to a | | | | anymore. Many wine retailers offer a wide variety |
| completely different experience from, say, | | | | of top quality wines at a very friendly cost, which |
| choosing wine as a gift for someone or to add | | | | means you can be a risk taker and try new |
| your own personal collection. | | | | wines that you have never heard of-- and, |
| But no matter what the occasion, it's always | | | | hopefully, for prices you can actually pay. Also, |
| important to look at these 5 things when choosing | | | | remember that the alcohol content is usually |
| wine: | | | | labeled on the bottle. Full-bodied wines are meant |
| 1. Varietals. Knowing your varietals is the best | | | | to have high alcohol content, whereas dessert |
| way to identify different wines-- when you know | | | | wines commonly contain the least amount. |
| the types of grapes used in making them, you | | | | 5. The Food You'll Pair it With. Wine pairing has |
| have a much better idea of what to expect from | | | | come out of the realm of snobbery and into the |
| the wine. The varietal determines the overall | | | | mainstream in the last few years. Anybody can |
| flavor, color, intensity, and overall character of a | | | | learn to pair wines well with food. The basics are |
| wine. For example, champagne has its name | | | | pretty simple. That said, choosing wine for a meal |
| because the varietal of grapes used to make it | | | | can be as simple or complex as you want to |
| are only grown in the Champagne region of | | | | make it. A good rule to remember when pairing |
| France-- not just because it's bubbly. | | | | wine is that dry red wine is typically served with |
| 2. Tannin Content. Tannins in wine are crucial | | | | red meats and richly flavored, non-cream based |
| elements, as they greatly affect the flavor of the | | | | dishes. White wine is most commonly served with |
| wine. What are tannins? They are created by | | | | fish, poultry, some pork dishes, and cream-based |
| crushing the stalks and skins of the grapes during | | | | entrées. Naturally, there are always |
| the wine making process. Tannins are an | | | | exceptions to this rule, especially when you take |
| important part of allowing a wine to age well; but | | | | ingredients and flavors of a particular dish into |
| in a young wine they can result in a somewhat | | | | account. However, if you're starting from scratch |
| bitter taste. In a mature wine, tannins become | | | | and don't know a thing about pairing wine, this can |
| gentler and have a more subtle taste. When | | | | serve as a good rule of thumb. |
| choosing wine, consider whether it's intended to | | | | Planning a dinner party and want to learn as much |
| be drunk now or stored, and be sure to ask | | | | as you can about choosing wine? Don't forget to |
| about the tannin content. | | | | check with your wine merchant about upcoming |
| 3. Aroma. The aroma of wine is not only the way | | | | tasting events that they might be conducting. |
| the scent of a wine is described, but also the | | | | These sorts of events will give you the |
| flavor. It starts with the first sniff of wine in a | | | | opportunity to sample many different types of |
| glass, to the moment it touches the lips, to | | | | wine, and are usually organized by a wine expert |
| swirling it around inside the mouth and eventually | | | | that can give you plenty of helpful advice. |
| swallowing. Understanding, identifying, and truly | | | | Choosing wine can be a very fun hobby even for |
| enjoying the many different aromas of a good | | | | wine novices, and can be a fun learning |
| wine is something that comes with experience. If | | | | experience. Just don't be afraid to ask questions... |
| you want to find just the perfect wine, it is | | | | and be sure to purchase plenty of extra bottles, |
| important to sample as many wines and varietals | | | | just in case! |