Wine is one of the noblest drinks. There are hundreds and thousands of varieties. That is why it is so difficult to choose a specific drink for a particular meal.
These simple rules
There are only a few rules that you need to follow in order not to make mistakes. Most importantly, light wines are served with light foods such as chicken and fish, while solid foods such as beef and game require strong wines. If you simplify this rule a little, it is enough to remember that white wines are combined with fish, chicken and pork, and red wines - with game and beef. By and large, this is the basic information a beginner needs.
It must be remembered that the quality of the soil under the vineyard always influences the aroma and taste of the wine, so the region of its production is of decisive importance. This is why South African wines are so different from French ones. You do not need to go deep into the details of the cultivation of vineyards in Germany or France in order to understand exactly the difference between the white wines of these countries, but it is worth getting a rough idea of the basic features. If there is a choice between New and Old World wines, choose European ones. In Italy, France and Germany, wines have been produced for hundreds of years, so we can say that their technologies are more advanced. You should not be completely prejudiced towards wines from Africa or South America, you just need to approach them more carefully.
Varietal wines and their ages
Give preference to varietal wines. Varietal wine is named after the grape variety from which it was made. Having learned the most common varieties, you will have a good idea of what exactly awaits you in the chosen bottle. One of the most common varietal wines is Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a rich, intense flavor that goes well with beef, game and tomato sauces. Pinot Noir and Merlot are lighter than Cabernet Sauvignon and are less intense and softer. Chardonnay is a light, slightly oily white wine that goes well with fish or chicken dishes. Sauvignon Blanc is ideal for hot days, goes well with fish dishes.
It should be noted that varietal wines are not always made from the same grape variety. Sometimes on sale you can find noble blends, for example, Cabernet Merlot.
Focus on the year of issue. The age of the wine is not always an indicator of quality. Not all wines get better with age. Most only get worse with increasing shelf life. The concept of "vintage wine" is associated with a specific year of production, but not with age. The fact is that the weather seriously affects the quality of the grapes and, accordingly, the wine. So some vintage wines owe their unique taste to a combination of unique weather conditions. Therefore, choosing from two bottles in a regular store, you should not prefer the one that is more years old. Vintage wines are specially labeled and are quite expensive. Usually winemakers release their products for sale no earlier than a couple of years after production, which makes such wines quite suitable for consumption.
