Generally, wines with a screw top are cheaper and more vulnerable to aging. However, just because a wine has a screw top doesn’t mean it’s a bad wine![3] X Research source
There are a few red wines that are meant to be served chilled. These are typically sweeter dessert wines or concord blends. [6] X Research source If you really want to get into red wines, consider purchasing a red wine fridge that will keep your wines good for longer!
A bottle of wine has roughly 10 tasting servings. For a party of 8-10 people, you will need at least two bottles of each wine that you want everyone to taste.
Most people hold the glass towards the base of the stem. Grip the stem with your thumb and index finger, and rest your remaining fingers on the base for stability.
The clarity of a wine will tell you about the quality of its craftsmanship. If a wine is murky, it might have had some problems in the fermentation process or was unfiltered. The “legs” of the wine that are created by swirling it in a glass will tell you how rich and dense the wine is. The bigger the “legs” the bolder the flavors and alcohol content.
The senses of smell and taste are closely linked, so be sure to give the wine a good sniff between each sip. It’s ok if you don’t smell a lot at first! The more you smell wines, the more you’ll learn to distinguish individual flavors, like fruity, smoky, and earthy tones.
You can draw in some air between your teeth to further enhance the flavor. Your tongue only has the four basic tastes (sweet, salty, bitter, and acidic), so pulling air across the wine in your mouth will bring out the aromas that can be detected by the nasal passage along the back of your throat. This is sometimes called “chewing” the wine. [13] X Research source
Cabernet Sauvignons are a great red wine to try out because they straddle the line between dry and sweet.
Most Cabernet Sauvignons have strong tannins, which refresh your palate after every bit of meat. [15] X Research source
If you tend to have a sweeter palate, Merlots might be for you. Although not all Merlots are sweet, they tend not to have strong tannins, so they won’t create the sensation in your mouth that dry wines are known for.
Merlots tend to be lighter, fruity wines on the sweeter side of the spectrum. If you are eating something that is lighter and salty, chances are a Merlot will pair with it well.
If you are looking for a red wine that encourages you to sit and ponder its flavor profile, Pinot Noir is for you!
A drier, full-bodied Pinot Noir could also match well with roasted turkey or lamb. [20] X Research source
Zinfandels are another great way to begin your exploration of red wines. Their flavors are complex and bold. They also typically have high alcohol content.
If you like smoked meats or dishes that incorporate roasted tomatoes, try them with a Red Zinfandel. This accentuates the savoriness of both the wine and the food.
The flavor of the wine varies depending on the grape variety, soil quality, and overall winemaking process. [24] X Expert Source Murphy PerngCertified Wine Consultant Expert Interview. 15 March 2019.
Tempranillos are difficult to pair with a cheese. If you really want to serve cheese a Tempranillo, get something soft and smokey like smoked provolone or brie.
Unless you are drinking a dessert red wine like a port, chocolate doesn’t usually pair well with red wine. This is because the tannins in the wine and the tannins in the chocolate combine for an overwhelmingly bitter taste. Brussel sprouts and asparagus both contain sulfur compounds that make red wine taste like it has gone bad. Even though these vegetables have earthy flavors you might think go well with a red wine, they can ruin your meal if you combine them. Red wines aren’t generally paired with seafood. The iron in red wine attaches with fish oil to create a fishy, metallic aftertaste. Sushi, in particular, can be ruined by pairing it with a red wine.
Almost every winery will have at least some varietals of red wine, but there will be a lot of variation depending on the regional tastes and the winemaker’s preferences. Nearly all wineries offer wine tastings, but it doesn’t hurt to ask when you are doing your research. You should also ask if the wine tasting is complimentary, or if there will be a charge.
If you do not want to drink all of the wine at a tasting, you can spit it out into the designated receptacles after tasting it.
You can also cleanse your palate with some fresh, lightly salted mozzarella cheese.
Your notes can be as basic or elaborate as you want. You could simply write which varietals you like, or you could make a detailed record of each wine’s flavor profile and make a ranking system.
