There’s nothing quite lovely like a glass of wine to help you celebrate a special occasion or to make an ordinary day just a little bit better. With so many different types of wine available, it can be tough to know which one is the best choice for your needs. Below are some of the top tips for choosing the perfect wine for every occasion.
Consider Where You Shop
If you’re looking for a good deal, your best bet is to head to a liquor store or warehouse club like Costco. However, if you’re looking for something specific, your best bet is a specialty wine shop, which you can get online by searching for the best wineries near me. If you’re buying a gift for someone, it’s best if you ask them where they buy their wine so you can get them the bottle of wine they love.
Learn How to Pair Wine With Food
Pairing wine with food can be tricky, but it’s doable with a little bit of knowledge. Generally speaking, red wines are best with heavier meats like beef and lamb, while white wines are better suited for lighter dishes like fish or chicken.
There are exceptions to this rule; for example, you might want to serve a bold red wine with a spicy dish to help cool down your palate. As always, It’s best to experiment and see what works best for you.
Who You Are Buying For
If you’re hosting a dinner party, it’s best to choose a wine that will appeal to everyone at the table. On the other hand, if you’re hosting some friends or loved ones for the first time in your place, try picking something they might not normally drink. This can be a fun way to introduce them to new styles of wine, and it can also make for a conversation starter.
If you’re gifting someone, it can be challenging to pick their ideal taste if you know nothing about their wine preferences. It’s best to ask them their general wine preferences, such as white or red wine, so you can play around with the options available and effectively pull out the element of surprise.
Check What the Labels Say
Unless you’re an experienced wine taster, it’s best to stick with wines that have familiar labels. This helps avoid any disappointments that may come with choosing a wine you’re not familiar with. It’s also helpful to take note of the producer, vintage, and alcohol by volume (ABV) so you can get an idea of what to expect.
You need to master the content and place of origin of the wine you’re taking. This helps you know how to rank your wines for an easier pick the next time you’re tasked to pick one for the group.
The Age of the Wine Is Important…Sometimes
Some wines that are too old can taste sour or have an unpleasant aftertaste, but most red wines tend to improve with age while whites and rosés don’t really benefit from being stored for too long. Since any wine you purchase from the store is ready to drink, you can safely give little weight to this factor.
The Wine’s Origin
A Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough tastes much different from Bordeaux. If you’re buying wine for people who like wine from a specific region, you need to adhere to that when making the purchase. When in doubt, ask your store clerk for help or do some research online before heading to the store.
Grape Variety
While it’s true that each wine has its own unique characteristics, the type of grape used to produce the wine is just as important. For example, a Merlot from Bordeaux will taste much differently from a Californian Merlot due to subtle differences in how these grapes ripen and develop flavors during fermentation. Regardless of the grape variety, look for wines that are labeled as varietals, which indicate they were produced using 100% of one grape type.
Monitor Your Budget
There’s no need to break the bank when buying wine for a party, but you should have a general idea of how much you want to spend. This will help narrow down your options and make the process easier in the long run.
Choose the Right Bottle Size
You don’t want to show up to a party with a magnum of wine when everyone brings a bottle. On the other hand, you don’t want to bring the smallest bottle either. Aim for something in between that will be appropriate for any occasion and will not put you at the edge of things.
By following these simple tips, you can make the process much easier and ensure that you will have a perfect bottle for any event. Consistently practicing these tips can prepare you to become one of the best wine connoisseurs.
