Have you ever been to a restaurant and looked at the wine list for the prices, while the rest looks like another language? Do you know all about beers around the world, but you can’t tell your pinot noirs from your pinot grigio? Here are the wine basics that everyone should know before they head to a restaurant, host a dinner party or hit the liquor store.
If you know nothing about wine, here's some wiki facts for you about how wine is made.
Wine is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented grapes or other fruits. The natural chemical balance of grapes lets them ferment without the addition of sugars, acids, enzymes, water, or other nutrients. Yeast consumes the sugars in the grapes and converts them into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Different varieties of grapes and strains of yeasts produce different styles of wine. The well-known variations result from the very complex interactions between the biochemical development of the fruit, reactions involved in fermentation, terroir and subsequent appellation, along with human intervention in the overall process.
All About Red Wine
Light-bodied Red Wines
Often fruity, these wines are a great choice for wine newbies. Pairs well with appetizers and finger foods.
Gamay Noir
Beaujolais
Pinot Noir
Medium-bodied Red Wines
Also often fruity, a great choice for a general crowd when you're hosting a party or taking a wine as a hostess gift. Pairs well with pizza or pasta.
Malbec
Valpolicella
Cabernet Franc
Full-bodied Red Wines
These wines can be smooth or firm, spicy or even with a bit of fruit flavours. Pairs well with steak, red meat, and bbq meals.
Shiraz
Cabernet Sauvignon
Bordeaux
Cabernet-Merlot, Shiraz-Cabernet, and most other blends.
All About White Wine
Light White Wines
Refreshingly light and crisp, sometimes a hint of citrus, these wines pair best with appetizers, finger foods, poultry, fish and light pasta dishes.
Unoaked Chardonnay
Riesling
Pinot Grigio
Fruit and Sweet White Wines (off dry)
Lots of fruity flavours to pair with spicy dishes.
Riesling
Gewurtztraminer
Moscato
Full Bodied and Flavourful White Wines
A little less fruity and more hints of nuts, spice and even vanilla. These wines pair best with fish, seafood, and cream sauces.
Oaked Chardonnay
Pinot Gris
Sauvignon Blanc
Remember that wines from different countries will taste slightly different, even if they are the same variety of grapes. Try a few different ones and attend some tastings to really find your preferences.
Wine Tasting:
Wine tasting is the sensory examination and evaluation of wine. The sweetness of wine is determined by the amount of residual sugar in the wine after fermentation, relative to the acidity present in the wine. Some wine labels suggest opening the bottle and letting the wine "breathe" for a couple of hours before serving, while others recommend drinking it immediately. Remember that there are specific glasses meant for red and white wine. Your local store will have them clearly labeled!
Tip: Host a fun wine tasting event of your own by inviting guests to bring their favourite wine from around the world. Buy tasting glasses and let all the guests rate how they like each one. Serve with light appetizers and cheese for the best pairing!
