With regards to wine, we could all stand to know a bit more than we actually do. Being an expert in wine is a tell tale way to show off your sophistication, but this is much easier said that done. Luckily, the following article has a wealth of information that will help you learn all there is to learn about wine.
If you drink wine for its health benefits you should stick with red wines. Red wines are full of antioxidants and are believed to promote optimal heart health when you drink it in moderation, ideally one glass a day. Other wines may have the same benefit in varying degrees, but red wine is definitely the best choice.
Never cook with a wine that you do not enjoy the flavor of. When wine cooks down during the cooking process, it concentrates. Any flavors that you do not like will be more prevalent, which means you will not like the taste of the food you have worked so hard to prepare.
A lot of wines have foreign names. It is best to familiarize yourself with the pronunciation of these names before you talk with experts about your wine tasting experiences. A wine expert will quickly label you as a novice if you are not familiar with the correct pronunciation of certain names.
Wine can make great sauces for beef dishes. To make simply add a small amount of butter to a saucepan along with your favorite red wine. Let the sauce simmer and thicken to diminish some alcohol. When finished, pour it lightly over whatever beef dish you are fixing.
If you buy boxed wine, you can filter this into a nice glass decanter to improve the way that it looks. This is a great trick that you can use if you have to serve friends at a party or dinner. This will allow you to save money while giving off an elegant image.
Pay a visit to the areas that produce the grapes for the wines. The best way to know about the grapes themselves is to go to where they’re grown. This allows you to see the origins of the wine, enhancing your experience. Not to mention the areas are lovely and offer a good travel experience.
If you are saving your wine after a night of drinking, make sure to cork it well. You want to avoid letting extra air into the bottle because it will completely change the taste of the wine and can cause it to go rancid. Make sure the cork fits securely, or use a wine stopper that blocks air out.
When tasting wine, you should avoid distractions as much as possible. Keep in mind that the presence of a strong smell in the room might influence how you perceive the aroma of the wine you are tasting. The temperature of the room and of the bottle you are tasting will also influence your impressions.
Remember that rules were made to be broken, even when it comes to selecting wine. Just because the “norm” indicates you should pair red wine with red meat and white with fish, chicken or salad, doesn’t mean it’s set in stone. Enjoy your meal with your favorite wine, no matter who says they go together!
Look around your local area for good wines. Wine is produced in ALL 50 states. You may find a great vineyard that you can take a day trip to. Supporting your local wine growers is great in itself; however, there are many gems being made right here at home that often go overlooked.
Red and white wines differ in the temperature they are served best at. Ideally, reds should be warmer than white by approximately 10-15 degrees. To achieve the best flavor, place your bottle in the refrigerator initially. Then, pull it out and allow it to sit for a little while. The temperature red wine should be served at is typically 60 degrees, while white should be colder and served at around a temperature of 45 degrees.
Inquire about whether reservations are needed before attending a wine tasting. Don’t assume that public events are first come, first served. Do not show up to just be sent home.
When you first get a glass of wine, look at its color. This will tell you all about what the wine will taste like. Aged white wine gets darker and stronger. Aged red wine actually fades in color. How the wine has been aged and which grapes were used will also affect the color.
Wine can be saved. Once you finish drinking from the bottle for the evening, close it back up and refrigerate it. The wine should be good for about a day. If you leave it out at room temperature, however, it will eventually go bad because bacteria can grow. There are no hard and fast rules about how long wine is good for, so use your palate to guide you and refrigerate as soon as you know you are finished drinking.
Keep in mind that the largest wineries do not necessarily have the best wines. It is often best to visit the smaller wineries in your area if you want affordable prices. You will also get the occasion to taste wine with a small group and have a guide who has time to answer your questions.
Do not buy wine only because it is a good deal. Many people will buy wines that are on special or have a bulk discount. Have you tried this wine? Have you done any research? Most have not and will make a purchase that will end up not being drunk, or passed over by guests.
Hopefully, you now understand just how much information is involved when it comes to wine. This article is by no means the end of your education, however, when you use the advice given you are well on your way towards becoming a wine connoisseur. Just remember to enjoy yourself while you learn!
