How To Pick Wine

Are you overwhelmed by the endless options of wine in a store and unsure of how to find the perfect bottle? Say goodbye to those days. Welcome to the Black Wine Club’s guide on how to pick wine like a pro. With just a few helpful tips, you'll be able to impress your friends and indulge your taste buds in no time.

1. Know the basics

Types of wine

• Red wine: Made from black grapes, red wines are known for their bold and robust flavors. Examples: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Syrah.
• White wine: Made from green or yellow-tinged grapes, white wines are lighter and fruitier. Examples: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling.
• Rosé wine: Made from black grapes, but the grape skins are removed early in the fermentation process, resulting in a light pink color. Example: Provence Rosé.
• Sparkling wine: Bubbly and effervescent, sparkling wines are a festive treat. Champagne, for example, is a sparkling wine from a specific region in France.
• Dessert wine: Sweeter than your typical wines, these are often enjoyed with or as dessert. Examples: Port, Ice Wine, and Sauternes.

Wine Labels & Regions

Wine labels can offer a wealth of information and tell us about the region, grape variety, producer, and vintage (year of production). Understanding these basic elements will help you pick a wine with greater confidence.

2. Consider the occasion

Are you looking for a fancy bottle for a special celebration or a reasonably priced, everyday option? The occasion will often dictate your choice, from a luxurious vintage champagne to a crowd-pleasing, budget-friendly red or white.

3. Pair it with food

Matching wine with food can elevate your dining experience to new levels. A few basic guidelines:

• Red wine pairs well with red meat and heavier, hearty meals.
• White wine complements lighter dishes, such as seafood, poultry, and salads.
• Rosé and sparkling wines pair well with a wide variety of foods and make excellent aperitifs.
• Sweeter dessert wines are best enjoyed with fruit-based or rich, chocolatey desserts.

4. Determine your taste preferences

Knowing what flavors you enjoy will help you zero in on the right wine. Keep in mind these basic taste profiles:

• Dry or sweet: Wines can range from very dry (not sweet) to very sweet.
• Body: The "weight" of the wine in your mouth – light-bodied, medium-bodied, or full-bodied.
• Acidity: The "tartness" of the wine – high acidity offers a refreshing sensation, while low acidity provides a smoother, rounder taste.
• Tannins: Found in red wines, tannins create a sensation of dryness or puckering in the mouth. Some people enjoy robust, tannic wines, while others prefer lower tannin levels.

How To Pick Wine Example:

Finding a Wine for a Romantic Dinner

Imagine you're planning a romantic dinner for two and need a wine to pair with your grilled steak and roasted vegetables. Here's how to use the tips given above to find the perfect bottle:

1. Choose a red wine, which pairs well with red meat.
2. Since it's a special occasion, opt for a higher-quality bottle to celebrate.
3. Consider your taste preferences: Do you enjoy full-bodied, bold, and tannic wines, or lighter, fruitier options? Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec might suit the former, while a Pinot Noir or Merlot could appeal to the latter.
4. Check the label for information on the vintage, region, and producer. A well-reviewed, high-quality vintage from a renowned wine region like Bordeaux or Napa Valley is likely to be a winner.

Now you've got all the tricks up your sleeve to pick the perfect wine like a pro. So go ahead and explore the wonderful world of wine with confidence. Remember, practice makes perfect, and discovering your favorite is half the fun.

Don't forget to share this article with your fellow wine enthusiasts or anyone looking to crack the world of wine selection. For more tips, guides, and wine news, join the Black Wine Club community and let's embark on this flavorful adventure together.