The store can be so intimidating! Huge walls of wine, ratings, prices… How do you decide which bottle to choose? The one with the cute label is, unfortunately, not always a good choice. This article is meant to help you create a plan for selecting the perfect bottle of wine… every time!
Did you know that wine is the most variable food item in the world? For beginners, I suggest starting a notebook (or blog!) about your experiments so that you can get a good feel for all of the complexities of wine. Stay updated with this blog for specific tutorials on particular wine varietals.
Step One: the Occasion
When deciding on a wine, you have to consider the occasion. Are you looking for an easily drinkable party wine or are you trying to impress someone? Knowing whether it is a casual or more formal occasion can help you determine what price range to start looking in. Generally speaking, a wine with superior characteristics will often cost a little more, although there are exceptions.
It may sound strange, but you should consider the weather… You wouldn’t wear a wool sweater in the middle of July. A hot summer day may call for a light, white wine like a Reisling, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat, or Prosecco (sparkling). Where as a chilly winter day by the fire may call for a deeper heavier red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah (Shiraz).
Also, if you are pairing wine with food for this occasion, you’ll also want to match your wine choice to your food choices. A good rule of thumb is to pair light wines with lighter fare (like chicken, fish, or light sauces) and hearty wines with heartier fare (steak and heavy red or brown sauces).
Step Two: the Flavor
Choosing a good bottle of wine may mean something completely different to me than it does to you. This is why it is so important to know what YOU like. But don’t get stuck in a rut of picking the same wine every time… this article is meant to empower you and help you be more adventurous!
My best suggestion for those of you who are brand new to wine is to go to a winery, restaurant, or in-home wine tasting in your area. (www.BrightEyesWine.com for in-home wine tastings). For a minimal cost, you will be able to taste several different wines to get a feel for what you like about the different types.
Take notes!!! Talk to the wine expert about the flavors and body of the wines and write down what you like or dislike about each one. Here is a small sample of some words to listen for:
descriptions: sweet, crisp, tart, oaked, acidic, round, body, fruity, earthy, dry, smooth, tannic
flavors: apple, pear, peach, tropical fruit, grass. buttery, vanilla, berry (all sorts), fig, cassis, chocolate, minerality, tobacco
Ask questions!!! A good wine guide should be able to give you descriptive words and specific flavors and aromas that can be found in the wines you’re tasting. For local tastings and wine-related events in the Atlanta area, consider joining www.meetup.com/AtlantaWine. Or you can search meetup.com in your local area for “wine”.
Step Three: the Label
If you find something you like at a tasting, by all means get it! I always suggest to my clients to purchase at least 3 bottles of a favorite wine… one to drink, one to share with a friend, and one to hoard! That last bottle is always so precious! Keep in mind that many hand-crafted or artisan wines are made with small lots of exceptional grapes and will often sell out. Never underestimate supply vs. demand when it comes to pricing. When you find premium wines for under $20, get them while you can!!
If you want to continue to experiment with store-bought wines you must decipher the label! This is perhaps the most important step, especially for a novice, as reading a wine label carefully will often help you know the type, variety, flavor, region and vintage of the wine. Look for those key descriptions and flavors that you know you enjoy in other wines. Generally, wine ratings are helpful, but you cannot always trust that the individual rating the wines has a similar palate to yours. Your best bet is to read the wine’s description and don’t be afraid to try something new. Keep notes on all of the wines you try so that choosing a great bottle will become easier.
A great way to continue to experiment with new wines is to find a Wine Club to join. Of course, I prefer the club with WineShop in Napa Valley, CA (www.BrightEyesWine.com). Some clubs will let you choose white or red wines for your shipment. Find one that will allow you to do both white and red to extend your range! It is important to look for a Wine Club that has flexibility and will allow you to change your preferences or opt out at any time.
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