Wine is a drink which is found in many places, from
your own dining room table to Communion in a church. While some cultures don't
imbibe in alcohol, many others do so to great extent. If you love to enjoy a
glass yourself, read on to find out how to make that glass exceptional.
All wines do not taste good while at the same
temperature. White wines are better when they are cold, while red wines should
be a little below room temperature. Drinking them at the wrong temperature can
change the way they are supposed to take, which may change your overall
opinion.
Purchase your inexpensive wines from a warmer
climate. While there is no one rule for buying wines, in general, those from
warmer climates have the most flavor and appeal. Consider France, California
and regions in Australia when making your selection. This is a great way to
make a quick choice in the grocery store and come home with a bottle that your
guests are likely to enjoy.
When purchasing a wine for dinner tonight, make sure
to ask in the store if the wine is ready to drink. Some wines need to age in
order for their true flavor to come out. This might mean months or even years
should go by before the bottle is enjoyed. By asking if the wine is ready to
drink, you have a better chance of walking out with a bottle you will enjoy.
Swirling is part of tasting wine. Make the circular
motion necessary from your elbow rather than your wrist. Doing so will enable
you to smell the wine, enhancing the flavor of it as well. Making the motion
just using the wrist is difficult and often will not have the desired effect.
If you are trying to find a way to drink a
less-expensive wine, consider making it into a punch or Sangria. Adding some
fruit, a bit of sweet soda and a little ice can completely change the taste.
This makes for a nice addition to a baby shower or birthday party, and one of
your guests is sure to enjoy.
If you love wine, plan your next vacation in wine
country. Wine country is beautiful and a great place to learn about wine and
how exactly it is made.
A good tip if you're interested in drinking wine is
to make sure you serve your wine out of a good glass. You don't want to serve
your guests wine out of something silly and embarrass yourself A good wine
glass should be large, have thin glass, and a long stem.
There are many different types of wine, so don't
hesitate to try new flavors. Try to analyze each wine that you enjoy to find
out all the different flavors it has to offer and what types of meals it works
best with. Wine is meant to be enjoyed so make sure you test all your options
so you can truly enjoy it.
When cooking with wine, let your recipe help guide
your choice. If you are simply using wine to de-glaze a pan, a splash of just
about anything will do. However, if wine is a main ingredient, such as in Coq
au Vin, you may want to splurge a little to do the dish justice.
If you are cooking with wine, don't hesitate to ask
the wine shop-owner/manager for advice. He or she has likely tasted most of the
wines available, and can give you an educated suggestion for wines that will
enhance your recipe. The shop may even have wine on hand for tasting.
Don't be afraid to experiment when it comes to
enjoying a good wine. Sure, we all have a favorite stand-by, but that doesn't
mean something different cannot be enjoyed as well. If red is your go-to wine,
investigate the possibility of a Pinot Grigio tonight or be really daring and
try something you've never even heard of!
Always know which wines are seasonal. Throughout the
year, different wines may increase in popularity depending on the holiday or
season. Port wines are an excellent example of this, as they tend to increase
in price in the weeks leading up to Christmas. When you know wines by their
seasons, you can purchase them off-season and save.
A good tip that will help you save money on wine
when eating out is to not be afraid of ordering the cheapest wine on the menu.
A lot of people will avoid getting the cheapest wine to avoid looking bad, but
restaurants know this and will exploit you for it.
If you are going to a party or a gathering, and you
would like to bring wine, try to stick with something that is not too strong.
Pinot Noir is a great choice for occasions like this, because it goes with most
food. Regardless of what the host is serving, he or she should appreciate it.
Experiment. If you always drink wines from Italy,
branch out and try a few from Spain or South Africa. If you always drink white
wine, try shiraz. If you only drink red, try a white shiraz or a moscato. When
you do this, you find new favorites. You might not know what you're missing.
Don't drink your wine the minute you open it. To get
the best flavors, you need to let it breathe. So pop the cork, and then take a
few steps back and wait fifteen minutes. This waiting helps bring the flavors
in your wine to life, so your enjoyment level will be much higher.
Never store white wines in the fridge. They will
lose their aroma and their taste if they are stored at an artificially low
temperature. Store your white wine at room temperature and then put it in the
refrigerator about two hours before drinking. This will allow the wine to chill
to the proper temperature for consumption.
Whether you like Baby Duck or something more
expensive, you can still find tips above which will help you enjoy it even
more. Wine will be easy for you to experience with all of this advice on hand.
Are you ready to start loving wine all over again thanks to this article?