Wine, particularly red wine, is a learned taste. When you don’t know what to look for, finding the correct bottle of red may be extremely daunting, especially with wine experts throwing around big phrases like viscosity and tannins. You don’t have to be a wine expert to get the most out of your red wine.
You can either love or hate red wine, but the truth is the taste of red wine depends on several factors. This includes your personal taste, the foods you combine, the undertone each red wine has, and its quality. Here’s a quick method to making red wine your go-to drink.
Types of Red Wines
Light-bodied reds
Light, refreshing, light-bodied reds are ideal for white wine consumers wishing to transition. Light-bodied reds may be sipped on their own, but they also pair nicely with food due to their reduced tannin content.
Medium-bodied reds
These reds are exactly right, not too light, not too aggressive. Medium-bodied reds have more tannins than lighter wines, but they don’t overwhelm you with complicated structure or powerful taste.
Full-bodied reds
Full-bodied reds have the greatest tannins and, typically, the highest alcohol level, giving the palate a sense of weight. These wines are ideal for matching with rich, substantial cuisine since they are robust enough to stand on their own while yet allowing the flavors to show through.
Master the Art of Serving Red Wines
Stemware
The red wine basics, and a general rule of thumb when purchasing the appropriate wine glasses, are fairly simple: the stronger and maybe younger a red wine is, the better it works in a tall glass with a high volume. Thick red wine allows greater air interaction and helps the wine appear more powerful for lighter red wine tastes. This is likewise true for white wines, except the glasses are smaller overall.
In the case of sparkling wines, the “behavior” of carbonic acid is also influenced by the glass. However, the proper glass selection is also a matter of expertise, which you will not learn in red wine for beginners!
Bordeaux glass
This type of glass is perfect for dark red wines that are strong. The large volume allows the wine to mature as it should. With a large surface and a high chimney, the form promotes the typical qualities of exceptional wine—powerful and concentrated, low-tannin red wines bond with the fruit throughout the wine level.
Burgundy glass
If you’re serving aromatic and fruity red wine, then a burgundy glass is the way to go. It’s not just Pinot Noir that impresses with a lot of fruit and delicate nuances of red wine notes that need a little larger glass to develop nicely.
Explore the Art of Wine and Food Pairing
Reduce a meal to its main essential flavors. Consider the strength of the tastes in the wine and the cuisine you want to match it with. Is the food really light or extremely rich? A salad may appear lightweight, yet the dressing may be acidic. If the dish’s intensity isn’t immediately apparent, concentrate on the strength of each flavor component. Following that, is the wine light or bold?
Here are some examples: Sauvignon Blanc has a light body yet a greater acidity, so pair it with higher acidity foods like goat cheese. Chardonnay has a greater body, yet it is not too acidic, so it goes perfectly with a light salad. Pinot Noir is a lighter-bodied wine with less tannin, so you can pair it with a dish like tuna. Cabernet Sauvignon has a fuller body and higher tannin levels and can be paired with a beef steak.
Minimize Your Home Wine Inventory.
As a beginner in the world of red wines, it is advisable to start with a small selection rather than feeling pressured to accumulate a vast quantity like those who have wine cellars in their homes. Quality matters more than quantity, and it is essential to avoid overindulging or being left with wines that you do not truly enjoy.
However, it is beneficial to have a few bottles of your favorite red wines readily available for those times when you have a specific craving. This way, when hosting friends or family, you can confidently offer them wines that you know and appreciate.
Conclusion
Even if you already have your favorites, keep in mind that there is still so much you can learn as a novice. Allow yourself time to learn more whenever you visit a wine shop. Ask the employees for recommendations or whether the shop has any intriguing new merchandise.
The longer you drink red wine, the more you can alter your taste buds to enjoy additional possibilities. If you stick to this approach, you’ll be well on your way to amassing a personal collection of great-tasting wine that you’ll enjoy for years to come.
