Wine Basics
Whether you're hitting up your first wine tasting or grabbing a bottle for dinner, the world of wine can initially feel a little overwhelming, and I've had more than one person tell me it is a bit intimidating. But once you get the basics down, it all starts to click—and wine becomes much more fun. Here are some pointers to help demystify wine.
Types of Wine
At its core, wine is just fermented grape juice, but there's so much more to it. Here are the five main types:
Red Wine: Made from dark grapes, the skin stays on during fermentation, giving it that color and bold flavor (all wine grape juice is light-colored, by the way. The skin contact changes the color). Think Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir.
White Wine: Made from green or yellowish grapes, the skins come off before fermentation, which gives white wine its lighter, crisper vibe. Some classic white wines are Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling.
Rosé: This pink wine gets its color from briefly hanging out with red grape skins. It's lighter than most reds but has more oomph than your average white.
Sparkling Wine: Sparkling wine goes through a second fermentation to get the fizzies we all adore. Champagne is the star, undergoing the second fermentation in the bottle. Prosecco, equally great, undergoes its second fermentation in a tank; the Glera grape, from which Prosecco is made, is pretty fruity. Tank fermentation helps it retain its fresh vibrance.
Dessert & Fortified Wines: These are sweet wines meant for sipping after a meal. Think Port, Sherry, or any late-harvest wines.
Wine Characteristics
When tasting wine, a few things stand out that define how it hits your senses:
Sweetness: Ranges from bone-dry to super sweet. Dry wines have no leftover sugar, while sweeter wines keep some of the grape's natural sugar. Most wines you'll have with dinner are on the dry side, while dessert wines bring the sweetness.
Acidity: This gives the wine that crisp, mouth-watering vibe and causes your mouth to water. High-acid wines feel fresh and zippy, while low-acid wines are richer and softer.
Tannins: Tannins are primarily found in red wine and come from the grape skins, seeds, and stems (and sometimes the barrels the wine ages in). They create that dry, puckering sensation in your mouth, almost a sawdust texture. Think of tannins as the wine's backbone.
Body: A wine's body is how heavy or light it feels in your mouth—light, medium, or full-bodied. The best analogy for the body is milk; think of it like comparing skim milk (light) to whole milk (medium) to cream (full).
Alcohol: Most wines clock in between 12% and 15% alcohol, which can vary. Alcohol adds to the wine's body and gives it that slight warmth as you sip and taste. Alcohol can also give the wine a sweeter taste.
Pairing Wine with Food
Pairing wine with food (or, as I do it), pairing food with wine is one of the best things about wine. The general rule is to match the wine's intensity with the dish's intensity. Here are some easy pairings:
Red Wine: Pairs well with heavy-duty protein, which means it pairs well with rich, hearty dishes like steak, pasta with tomato sauce, and grilled veggies.
White Wine: Seafood, chicken, and salads are perfect with white wines. A richer Chardonnay can handle creamier dishes, while a zesty Sauvignon Blanc is awesome with tangy, herb-forward meals and Thai food.
Rosé: Remarkably versatile, this is your go-to for anything, from charcuterie boards to summer salads.
Sparkling Wine: Sparkling wine pairs surprisingly well with salty snacks, fried food, and sushi. A classic pairing is oysters and sparkling wine. Pretty much any high-acid food is going to like sparkling wine.
Dessert Wine: Perfect to serve with sweets and cheese or even enjoyed alone to wrap up a meal. Make sure the dessert is as sweet or sweeter than the wine; otherwise, your fabulous dessert wine will taste sour.
Conclusion
The wine world might seem massive, but it's a lot less intimidating once you get the basics down. Whether you're into red, white, or sparkling or just getting started, knowing a little about wine types and what makes them tick opens up a world of discovery—and some seriously delicious experiences. So grab a glass, take a sip, and start your wine adventure. Cheers!
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