5 Beginners’ Tips for Selecting and Enjoying Wine

If you’re just starting to learn about wine, you may wonder where to begin. To many beginners, the topic of wine can be a tad frightening because of the unfamiliar names, expressions and social rules. To help you select the best wine in Dahlonega, GA, here’s a basic overview of what to consider when shopping for wine.

#1 Varietal 

The world of winemaking is centered around the types of grapes used to make wine. As an example, there is a specific type of grape called the Pinot Noir, which is the variety used to make Pinot Noir wine. Different varieties of grapes will produce different flavors in wine. For a wine to be considered a varietal, it must have at least 75 percent of that grape variety.

#2 Blends

Some wines are not varietals, but instead blends. When you visit a wine shop, you’ll see some bottles labeled as red blends or white blends. As you might guess, these wines were made with more than one variety of grape. Some beginning wine lovers will often ask if a varietal or a blend is a better wine. It all really depends on the specific wine. You’ll find exceptional and underwhelming wines in both categories.   

#3 Red and White Wines

You can certainly spot the difference between a red and white wine with a quick look, but you might wonder when to serve each one based on food pairings. Truth be told, this topic could take an entire article by itself, but a basic guideline is to pair red wine with red meats and entrees with tomato-based sauces. White wine pairs well with poultry, fish and entrees with white-based creamy sauces. Red wines are often served at room temperature, while white wines are generally chilled.

#4 Rose Wine

Rose is a pink colored wine between red and white. Because of its color, there is often a misconception on how it’s made. Some people mistakenly believe it’s a mix of red and white wines, but that’s untrue. The lightness or darkness of the pink color is dependent on how the skins of red grapes are handled during the wine-making process. Rose wine is generally enjoyed during warm-weather seasons, and it often accompanies grilled and barbecued foods.

#5 Dessert Wine

After you finish your meal, you may serve a glass of wine to accompany dessert. This wine will be a sweet variety to complement your dessert. Most people believe these wines are too sweet to be served with a main course.

Learn with Each Sip of Wine

The best way to learn about wine is to enjoy it and find out what’s most pleasing to you. As you sample the best wine in Dahlonega, GA, you’ll learn more about the varietals and blends that comprise the world of wine. As times goes on, your expertise will grow with each sip you take.