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26 April 2013

The 5 things to consider when choosing a wine

When it comes to choosing a wine, it can be a nightmare deciding which one would be the most suitable for the occasion. For those that are often unsure when picking natural wine online, this article will hopefully enlighten you into the different factors you should consider, along with what is suited to certain occasions and situations.

No matter what the occasion is, it is always important to look at these different factors when choosing your wine. Whether it's the standard red, white or rose wine - or even natural wine, there is something perfect for every occasion.

Varietals: Knowing your varietals is an important way to identify different wines. When you understand the types of grapes that are used in different types of wine, you will get a much better idea of what to expect from the wine. The varietal determines the overall flavour, colour intensity and overall character of a wine. A great way of understanding the varietals and names is by considering Champagne. This has been given its name as the grapes used are from the Champagne region in France – not just because it’s bubbly!

Aroma: The aroma of wine is not only the scent of a wine, but also the flavour. It starts with the first sniff of wine in a glass, to the moment it touches the lips, to swirling it around inside the mouth and eventually swallowing. Understanding, identifying and enjoying a wine is the main reason for drinking wines, but often you may need to experiment tasting different types of wine to find one with the perfect aroma for your tastes. Allowing you to experience new wines is an important aspect of wine drinking.

Tannin Content: Tannins are crucial elements of wine that greatly affect the flavour of the wine. These tannins are created by crushing the stalks and skins of the grapes that are involved in the wine making process. Tannins are an important part of allowing a wine to age well, but in a young wine they can result in a somewhat bitter taste. When you choose wine, you should consider whether it is going to be consumed now, or stored for a later date – as tannins become gentler in more mature wines, giving a nice subtle
taste.

Price and Alcohol Content: If you have been to a good wine shop lately, you have probably noticed that fine wine isn’t only for people with plenty of disposable incomes. There are usually a plethora of wines on offer, meaning you are literally spoilt for choice. Many great tasting wines are now available at lower costs, so you are able to go ahead and try as many as you like. In regards to alcohol content, it is always labelled on the bottle. The full-bodied wines are meant to have high alcohol content, whereas dessert wines usually contain a lower amount of alcohol.

Consider the food you’ll pair with it: Pairing your wine with your food is extremely important, as certain wines complement certain foods incredibly well. The basics are pretty simple for pairing food and wine. That said, choosing wine for a meal can be as simple or complex as you want. A general guide would be to remember that dry red wine goes incredibly well with red meats and richly flavoured, non-cream based dishes. White wine is most commonly served with a lighter dish, such as fish, poultry, some pork dishes and many cream-based dishes. There will in fact be occasions where an exception may be made, especially when considering the preferences of any guests, along with the ingredients and flavours of a particular dish into account. However, if you’re starting from scratch and don't know a thing about pairing wine, this can serve as a good rule of thumb.

By following and remembering the information in this article, you should have gained a better understanding of wine types, what is suitable for a certain occasion and why you should try a range of different wines. Now go and pick a wine with confidence!