Wine Buying Guide
Wine is so much more than just a beverage; it is a culture, a lifestyle. Once you understand the basics of wine types, selections, storage and tasting, your wine experience will suddenly take on new dimensions. So whether you are a beginning enthusiast or the ultimate connoisseur, there is surely something here for you.
Basic Wine Classifications
The types of grapes used to make a wine are the most important factor in its taste. However, the flavours are also affected by other factors such as soil, exposure to sunlight, climate, how the grapes are handled and fermented, the types of yeast used, whether the wine is aged in wood, etc. Because of this, the same type of wine can be produced in several different regions, but these various factors result in wines which can taste nothing alike! Half of the fun that comes with experiencing wine is the incredible array of flavours available!
|
|
|
|
|
White Wines - White wines are a wonderful option for the beginner wine lover, the more advanced wine enthusiast, and the dabbling chef. Lighter in body than red wines, whites nonetheless are complex and highly varied in taste.
Popular varieties: |
Red Wines - Not only is red wine reputed to lower one's risk for heart disease, but it's also delicious and pairs exquisitely with most foods! And thankfully, with an estimated 40-50 varieties of red wine grapes, you're sure to find the type that will be your new favourite.
Popular varieties: |
Blush Wines  - Rosé wine has a very distinct blush colour, which can range from a pale orange to nearly purple. It is traditionally delicate and dry, but more recently medium to sweet rosés came into fashion. Both flavour palates can easily be found in a variety of countries today.
Popular varieties: |
Sparkling Wines - Champagnes and sparkling wines have significant levels of carbon dioxide in them, which gives them their famous fizziness. These are traditionally elegant drinks, perfect for celebrating a special occasion. They are typically white or rosé in colour.
Popular varieties: |
Dessert/Fortified Wines - Dessert wines are usually sweet and served after dinner. Fortified wines are slightly different and can be served before or after a meal. You may also want to try them on their own for the full experience. Consider some of these for your next dinner party!
Popular varieties: |
Wine Accessories
|
|
|
|
|
Wine Openers - What good is a bottle of wine if you can't get into it? This guide will show you all of the different ways there are to open a bottle.
|
Wine Preservation - After a wine tasting, you may have purchased a great variety of wines to take home. You are going to need a place to store them!
|
Electric Wine Chillers - Having company over? Invest in an electric wine chiller to ensure that your bottle is served at the perfect tasting temperature.
|
Wine Glasses - Wine glasses come in different shapes and sizes, but how is a person to know which is which? Check out our guide to distinguish the varieties.
|
Champagne Glasses - A celebration calls for champagne, and in order to enjoy the glass thoroughly, you are going to need some fancy glasses to drink it out of.
|
Related Guides
External Links
