Which Starter Wine Should You Buy
Its best to start simple so you can isolate what youre tasting and what it is about a wine that you like or dislike.
Start in the $10 to $15 price range. Most wines at this price point are typical of their variety and region. Some say that complexity doesnt start until the $25 level or $35 level, but while youre in the exploratory phase, its better to spare your wallet. That being said, you can find good bottles of wine under $10its just a bit harder.
Again, its hard for a beginner to tell how a wine will taste based solely on the varietal. So, above all, dont be shy about asking for help. Your best bet is to walk into the store and ask for the kind of wine youre interested in trying. Say, I want a dry, light-bodied white wine or I want to try a full-bodied red. Or, you could even mention wines that youve enjoyed in the past and ask for something similar.
Another good tactic is to ask for a typical varietal, e.g., Find me a typical Pinot Grigio for $15. Heres a quick rundown that might help you decide:
The Basics Of Good Wine
Choosing a good wine is completely subjective. How each person defines a good wine is unique to them and their taste buds. Whether you prefer delicate, bold, sweet, tart or even spicy flavors, it is possible to find a wine you adore. These essential characteristics that define each variety of wine can be helpful to keep in mind as you navigate picking a bottle.
Everyone will have different preferences for each of these characteristics of wine, but with the right care, you can find a bottle that fulfills your taste preferences.
Which Kind Of Wine Should You Drink
Feeling like drinking wine right now? Okay! Take this quiz and we will tell you which bottle you should open! Cheers!
Questions
Taking quiz is like a wine tasting. You don’t believe me? Take this quiz and carefully select your answers. We will decant it delicately and provide you with well-rounded, interesting results!
Fun
This test is not based on any scientific study whatsoever.It is intended for fun only so do not treat the result too seriously 🙂
Answers
Do not think about the answers too long. If you think you answered incorrectly, you can always go back to any question and change your answer.
Enjoy and share
At the end of the quiz we will give you the result. You can share it with your friends 🙂
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Low Histamine Wines: A Comprehensive List*
We understand it’s not quite easy to take along a long list of wines you can choose from when going grocery shopping . However, if you are histamine intolerant wine-lover, knowing all of the in-and-outs of high and low histamine wines is critical in reducing symptomatic consequences.For this reason, Ive done all of the work and research for you and put together the internets most comprehensive list of low histamine wine.So, next time youre getting a little loopy without the itchy skin and shortness of breath, think of me, my friends.
Best Intro To Lebanese Wine: Chteau Musar Hochar
When exploring red wine, dont be afraid to step outside of Europe. Chateau Musar is a historic vineyard in Lebanon, and its wines are beloved by wine experts the world over. This is a blended wine fermented from cabernet sauvignon, carignan, consult, and grenache. Its also aged in European oak for six months, so the drinker can expect light spice and pepper flavors.
Chateau Musat is famous for its old vine, low-yield style of production. This treatment yields grapes with richly concentrated flavors. This is an intense and interesting wine, aged in oak and full of dark plummy fruits. For pairing, this wine has the depth to stand up to red meats and flavorful stews. If its your first time trying this particular wine, dont hesitate to enjoy a glass on its own and really take the time to understand the flavors.
Craving something a little different? Try a Lambrusco. Lambrusco hails from the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy. This red wine is slightly sparkling. The ripe red fruit flavors and playful nature of Lambrusco have earned it a reputation as the perfect wine to pair with pizza. Why not? Like pizza, its fun, boasts simple and accessible flavors, and is perfect for a party. This bottle is a Lambrusco di Sorbara, the lightest and most delicate of Lambruscos.
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Is Red Wine Good For You
Definitely yes!
People often find red wine good for heart. And while alcohol is infamous for causing stomach fat, red wine does not!
You can easily sneak a glass of good red wine here and there in a week without worrying whether you will fit in your skinny jeans or not. No bloating, and no stomach fat occurs, keeping you lean just like you were before.
That was about fat. But wines are also popular for having large quantities of anti oxidants. While we know that these antioxidants are really helpful to the body, how are they actually helpful?
Resveratrol
One of the key nutrients found in a good red wine is resveratrol. This is packed with enormous antioxidant properties. Antioxidants in wine protect the blood vessels in the body from any kind of damage. Along with that, it also prevents blood clots, and reduces LDL cholestrol levels in the body. Isnt this the property you need in the healthiest red wine?
Some other benefits of resveratrol include:
- Lowered risk of cancer
- Reduce inflammation
- No heart diseases, and so on.
So now you know how great this is for your body, make sure you have your shelves stock up with plenty of red wine instead of any other alcohol. One, no weight gain, and two, great amounts of antioxidants. What else do you need in the healthiest red wine?
Are all red wines same?
Overall, it is the quantity of antioxidants present in the wine that makes it good or bad.
What Are The Four Key Wine Descriptors
Sweetness.
Needs no explanation. The opposite of sweet is dry. A wine can also be medium-dry or off-dry .
Acidity.
We already talked about this. Acidity is a big deal for white wines, and it makes them refreshing and crisp . Lower acidity makes a wine taste fat.
Tannin.
Another one weve already covered. Its all about the tannins for red wine. High tannin wines are astringent, maybe even bitter and inky. Lower tannin wines are smooth and soft, and depending on your tastes, more drinkable.
Body.
This refers to the perceived weight and viscosity of the wine. A full-bodied wine feels thick, coating the sides of the glass as you swirl. A light-bodied wine is almost like water. A medium-bodied wine is in-between.
The best way to wrap your taste buds around the four primary wine descriptors is to make yourself a strong cup of tea. Sip it black, without anything added. Thats what something very tannic will taste like . Now, add a squeeze of lemon juice and taste it. Thats acidity joining the party. Combined with the tannic taste, it should taste astringent. Now, stir in some sugar for some sweetness. This mellows everything out to make it taste soft.
There’s a fifth thing to be aware of when describing wineflavor. Unlike the four key descriptors, flavor encompasses every descriptor under the sun and is far more subjective.
Flavors.
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Best Under $: Friend And Farmer Biodynamic Red Wine No Added Sulfites
The Handwork Granacha is certified organic, biodynamic, and made from 100 percent grenache. The vineyard is owned by three brothers in La Mancha, Spain. Their dedication to their land and home country is expressed in their commitment to organic and biodynamic wine production. When it comes to funky, earthy natural wines, this bottle is on the lighter end. It has a profound earthiness, but is still light and fruity.
This bottle is full of tart cherry and strawberry flavors, and packed with mouth-watering acidity. To cap it off, the value is unbeatable. For under $20, you get a quaffable bottle that pairs excellently with paella, a simple roasted chicken, or other light meats.
White Wine And Ros Should Be Served Cold 50 To 60 Degrees
The best way to get white wine and rose cold is to place it in the fridge immediately after buying it however, if you buy the wine the same day you want to drink it, either leave it in the fridge for several hours, or you can place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes. That should do the trick! After opening the bottle and pouring everyone their first glass, we prefer not to place it on ice, but instead let the bottle sweat on the table, as the wines aromas and character changes slightly as the temperature rises, which we love.
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Best Budget White: Nv Broadbent Vinho Verde
Courtesy of Wine.com
Region: Portugal | ABV: 9% | Tasting Notes: Green Apple, Meyer Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit
Few wines offer better value than the northern Portuguese specialty vinho verdeeven the priciest bottles typically clock in well under $20. Made from a blend of local varieties, this ultra-crisp, low-alcohol white from a cool coastal climate has a slight spritz that makes it incredibly refreshing.
Zesty citrus notes of lemon, lime, and grapefruit mingle with tart green apple in this playful wine that sings when paired with fresh seafood. If you can enjoy it outdoors, even better. But regardless of the season, this lively, satisfying wine will make every day feel like a warm-weather vacation.
Bodega Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard
Selecting our overall best wine was no easy task but this 2016 Malbec is sure to be a winner no matter whos pouring it. Its an incredibly nuanced and detailed wine, promising depth and character from every sip. One of the highest rated wines, its a critics favourite and a rich, aromatic bottle to delight family and friends over dinner.
Thought to be perhaps the best ever wine produced by Catena, its dense and fresh, full-bodied and layered, flavourful and elegant all at once. Its a wine to please the masses but a bottle that youd be forgiven for saving for yourself. Featuring aromas of roses and pine needles with hints of spice and tobacco, its a wine that just keeps on giving. Enjoy it for its bold and structured notes.
Variety: MalbecVintage: 2016Appellation: Uco Valley, ArgentinaABV: 14.6%
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Personal Challenge / Satisfaction
The wine world is immense. We like to see this as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. Do you have a favorite sports team, fashion designer, tv chef, or movie director? What if I told you that there are celebrity winemakers and that if you found your favorite winery/winemaker you’d never have to drink bad wine again?
The Top Five Best Wine Brands
Masseto
Based in sunny Tuscany, in the Bolgheri region of Italy, Masseto is a cult winery with an iconic vineyard thats known for producing top quality vintages. The brand has received multiple 100-point scores from critics and is notorious for being difficult to get hold of. Production totals around just 30,000 bottles a year and the average bottle costs around $790. The vineyard, which was first founded by Lodovico Antinori in 1981, converted entirely to organic farming in 2012 and keeps climate change at the forefront of its production methods. The brand was a hit from its first release in 1986 and is one of the most well-known and best-performing wineries.
Screaming Eagle
Screaming Eagle Winery and Vineyards is a Californian wine estate and another cult winery. The brand produces the most expensive wines in North America and its Sauvignon Blanc occupies the top spot, with an average sales price of $5,974. In order to buy its wine directly from the brand, buyers must sign up for a waiting list. The average time to wait on this list before being able to buy a bottle is around 12 years. Due to a surge in high-profile counterfeit wine cases, each bottle of Screaming Eagle comes with a bubble-coded security seal. It keeps its doors firmly shut to the public.
Bodega Catena Zapata
Chateau Latour
Heitz Cellar
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Best Value French: Chne Bleu Ablard 2011
Region: Rhône Valley | ABV: 14.5% | Tasting Notes: Black cherry, Red licorice, Earth, Warm cinnamon
From an ancient property at the cornerstone of four appellations in Frances Southern Rhône, near the town of Gigondas and situated in Mont Ventoux, comes this absolute marvel of a wine. Owners Nicole and Xavier Rolet are incapable of making a bad wine, and incredibly, they’ve taken the extraordinary step of aging their wine for a generous amount of time prior to release. The vintage they currently have on the market is the 2012, but its terribly hard to find. Luckily, the 2011 is up for grabs: A decade-aged Rhône red consisting mostly of grenache, it is a testament to the efforts of these renegade vintners.
Wild red berry fruit, blackberry jam, French vanilla bean and garrigue layered with cigar box spices. Silky soft, elongated tannins support a panoply of flavors, from warm cinnamon and brown sugar spices to curry powder-dusted red berry fruit, with generous dollops of black cherry and red licorice. It finishes with grippy acidity and vivid earthy notes.
Region: Douro, Portugal | ABV: 13.8% | Tasting Notes: Cranberry, Raspberry, Blood Orange, Cedar
How To Find Wines You Actually Like
A beginners guide to finding and appreciating wine you love with easy to follow tips and guidelines on how to start buying and drinking wine!
For years after I turned 21, I only drank Pinot Grigio. It was a safe bet I knew I liked it. And that was enough.
Most new wine drinkers do the same thing: play it safe and only pick one or two wines they know they love.
But think about it like food. You dont only pick two foods you like, do you? There are thousands upon thousands of delicious dishes out there. Why cut yourself short! Be curious.
The same extends to wine. There are thousands upon thousands of styles and vineyards and varietals. You arent guaranteed to like them all. But youll probably like more than just one.
You just need to find which styles, vineyards, and varietals you like best. And thats what Im going to help you do.
Things like smell, flavor, texture, and body can all affect your appreciation of wine. The trick is really finding which specific characteristics of wine you love most.
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Sip The Rest Of Your Glass Slowly
It seems obvious, but chugging your glass doesnt help you taste the subtle flavors any better.
A really good wine will change its characteristics as it sits in the glass. The longer it is exposed to air, the more flavors emerge.
I find this especially true of white wines, which often develop a more tropical, fruity flavor the longer they are left out to warm up and settle.
This is a great area to experiment and see if different temperatures and different breathing times affect your appreciation of the wine.
Get Our Top Keto Wine Recommendations
Only the best
Low-carb alcoholic drinks like vodka and tequila are fine in small amounts on the ketogenic diet, but what about wine? For all you wine lovers out there, this article should clear up everything you need to know about keto wine.
Most wines have a high sugar content and will increase your insulin and blood sugar levels. But there are some keto-friendly wines you can drink and maintain ketosis.
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Mija Sangria Red Sangria
Mija Sangria Red Sangria is a very famous variety of red wine. It is one of the best wines used by the women community! The main constituent of this magical drink is red wine. The other component of making Mija is the pure fruit juice extracted from various kinds of fruits. It tastes like a bunch of red and sweet fruits. It is sweet but has no added sugar. So there is no need to worry about high blood sugar levels and diabetes. If you want to take an initiative for drinking wines then this wine will give you a great welcome in the world of wines.
Best Australian Red: Penfolds 2017 Bin 389 South Australia Cabernet Shiraz
Region: South Australia, Australia | ABV: 14.5% | Tasting Notes: Black cherries, Cassis, New leather, Fruit cake
Penfolds, unquestionably the greatest winemaking estate in Australia, is best known for its iconic wine, Penfolds Grange. Chief winemaker Peter Gago made it his mission to produce well-structured wines with deep flavors and, as he puts it, a propensity to age.
While Grange is primarily shiraz, with a splash of cabernet sauvignon sourced from specific sites in South Australia, Penfolds’ Bin 389 combines 54% cabernet sauvignon with 46% shiraz and is often referred to as Baby Grange. Plus, this wine comes at a more approachable price tag than the Grange.
Region: Mendoza, Argentina | ABV: 14.5% | Tasting Notes: Cherry compote, Salty dark chocolate, Cedar spice
Achaval-Ferrer’s Quimera blend is a wine of remarkable precision: Co-founder Santiago Achaval, one of the most respected winemakers in Argentina, and winemaker Roberto Cipresso comb the vineyards, tasting grapes and hand-selecting vines specifically for this blend. In 2014, they conceived a dynamic and complex blend of 50% malbec, 24% cabernet franc, 18% merlot and 8% cabernet sauvignon.
Region: Ribera del Duero, Spain | ABV: 14% | Tasting Notes: Spiced plums, Forest underbrush, Cigar box
Good to Know:
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