How to drink red wine (and truly experience it)

Red wine is undoubtedly the most widely-loved wine in the world. There are so many options for red wine styles and blends. Humans have been making red wines for centuries and trying out different techniques to create a wide variety of wines.

Six Tips for Drinking Red Wine

It can be intimidating to try a glass of red wine, especially with so many options. We have provided a simple tasting guide below that will help you to enjoy the red wine you are drinking.

By following these tasting tips, you’ll be more likely to discover the best red wine to suit your palate.

Take a look at the label

Even if your knowledge of red wines is limited, it’s possible to learn a lot by just looking at the bottle. You will know the origin of grapes if you visit a vineyard to taste its wines. It is important to know the origin of wine if you intend to buy wine at a store, or at a restaurant.

Colder climates

These regions tend to produce lighter-bodied wines. This is true for countries like northern France, Germany, and Chile or the Pacific Northwest area of the United States.

Warmer climates

Warmer regions are likely to produce richer, more intense wines. These areas include Argentina, California, and southern France.

This is an extremely broad explanation, and there will always be exceptions. Winemakers love to make wines that are unique and not typical of their region. The grapes grown in these areas can be affected by microclimates and soil variants. These small differences can have a significant impact on the wine’s overall character.

Glassware

Before you have a glass of wine, make sure you select the right glass to match the red wine that you are drinking. Red wines are best served in large, rounded glasses.

Lighter red wines prefer a shorter glass because it allows your nose to get closer to the wine. A taller glass is better for bold red wines because it allows the intense aromas to spread out before reaching the nose.

Pour and Swirl

After the wines have been left to air or decanted for a while, you can pour some into a glass. You should take care when pouring the wine into a glass.

When pouring wine into a glass, pay attention to the type of wine body. Pay attention to the following:

Are you able to tell if it is very viscous, or slightly thicker?

Is it a coating on the sides of your glass?

Based on the impressions you made during the pour, what do you think the wine will taste like?

Gently swirl the wine in a glass. Pay attention to the wine’s body, density, and if there are any solids. Nearly opaque wines are usually from warmer regions that were allowed to age for a very short time. The wine’s alcohol level or sweetness might be indicated by the appearance of “legs” in the swirled wine.

Take a Sniff

This is the best time to smell the wine. You should get your nose as close to the glass’s rim as possible to detect a distinct scent. You might detect three different levels of aromas when you smell the wine.

The main scent is fruity. Wines are all fruit juices. You should look for scents other than grapes. Are you able to smell fruits like blackberries, strawberries, or currants in your nose? Close your eyes, and notice if your nose is detecting something different than what you think. Try to describe the smell in detail. Is it sweet? 

You might also detect hints of winemaking flavors. Rose, vanilla, pepper, and mint are some of the common aromas you might detect. It will likely take some practice to be able to sense subtle levels of aromas, but this skill is something you will eventually master.

The wine’s final note might reflect the age of the wine, such as oak. You might detect a slight scent of coffee, smoke, or leather here. You might not be able to pinpoint it right away, but you may be able to identify it after you have tried it.

Give it a Taste

Finally, you can finally take a sip. But, wait! Do not take your first glass of red wine immediately.

Allow it to sit on your tongue for a while. It’s important to determine whether the wine contains too many tannins. You might also find an unusual flavor in this red wine. Do you find that letting the wine sit in your mouth helps you to better appreciate any notes you may have previously smelt?

Swallow the Aftertaste and Analyze It

Pay attention to the aftertaste after you have finished your sip. How long does it last on your tongue? This is an important characteristic of red wines.

Or, you can just throw it out

You might think it’s crazy. But ask any sommelier, and they’ll tell you to do it. If you do, nobody will be offended. This option is not mentioned in many red wine-tasting guides.

Spitting the wine is a good idea. It allows you to compare and analyze different red wines, without being too drunk. This will allow you to retain your senses and make it easier for you to analyze the wine more accurately.

Food Pairings

Once you have decided which red wine is best for you, focus your efforts on creating an amazing meal that will complement your wine. While lighter red wines will go well with poultry, heavier red wines, and bold wines are better suited for beef and cured meats. While rich seafood like crab can be paired with light red wines, seafood is best paired with white wines.

Red wine pairings are best suited to heavy foods like pasta. Avoid asparagus, Brussels sprouts, and green beans. It’d be difficult to find a wine that goes well with these foods.

It can be difficult to master the art of enjoying red wine. However, repetition is more enjoyable than a chore. This tasting guide will help you feel more confident about red wine and better prepared to discover the world of red wines.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *