Apr 30 2010
All The Facts About Buying Wine
In today’s world there are many different drinks to choose from and one of the best is wine. It’s a staple at all kinds of parties as well as weddings, bar mitzvahs and even just casual get-togethers. However, there are multiple types of wine and multiple brands so buying it can be very confusing for someone who is only just getting started. There are four distinct types of wine that you’re able to choose a wine from. There are white wines, red wines, dessert wines and blush wines.
Red wines come in types like merlot, pinot noir, sauvignon and zinfandel and are most often are used with dinner. White wines are things like chardonnay and Riesling and are common for meals that take place during the day or that are lighter. Blush wines are typically used for picnics and don’t make very good dinner fare. And then the desert ones – like ports of Sherries – are usually had with pastries and other sweet foods.
Now that the types of wines are laid out, it’s time to learn how to decide which one to buy. Most people hold to the “Three P’s” when it comes to buying wine from local wineries. The first “P” refers to the price of the wine, which is obvious – price will always have an effect on whether you purchase something or not. In fact, there are many types of wine that can be bought for as little as $15 – good wines, too, not cheap wine.
The next “P” means preference – and preference is extremely important when picking out a wine that many people will be drinking. When throwing a party always remember that strong wines are an acquired taste and people unfamiliar with wines may find them to be too much. Go with “softer” red wines like merlot or even a pinot noir to make sure to avoid this problem and that everyone enjoys themselves. And if you want a white wine instead, buy chardonnay or pinot blanc instead.
The final “P” stands for pairing with is important as well. Before you buy a wine, consider what meal that you are going to pair that wine with. For white wines you should pair it with lighter meals like fish or chicken but for red wines it should be heartier meals that involve red meat. Whatever you decide, following the “Three P’s” is a great procedure to follow when buying wines.
