How to Pick Red Wine Like You Know What You’re Talking About

There’s nothing like opening a fresh bottle of red wine and enjoying it with dinner. But if you’re not familiar with different types of red wine, it can be tough to know which one to pick.

Below, we’ll show you how to pick red wine like you know what you’re talking about. We’ll cover the basics of red wine varietals and give you some tips for choosing the right bottle for your needs. 

5 Ways to Pick Red Wine Like You Know What You’re Talking About

1. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

If you’re new to drinking red wine, or even if you’ve been drinking it for a while but don’t feel like you know all that much about it, don’t be afraid to ask your friends or family for recommendations. 

The odds are that someone you know has at least a little bit of experience with picking out red wines, and they can help you get started on finding ones that you’ll enjoy. 

If you don’t have anyone in your life who you feel comfortable asking for wine recommendations, there are plenty of other resources out there that can help you out. 

There are tons of websites and books devoted to teaching people about wine, and many of them have sections specifically about picking out red wines. 

2. Consider the occasion.

If you’re having a casual get-together, for example, a lighter red like pinot noir would be a good choice. But if you’re hosting a formal dinner party, you might want to opt for a fuller-bodied variety like cabernet sauvignon. 

What you’ll be serving with your red wine is also important to consider. If you’re serving heavy foods like steak or lamb, for example, you’ll want to choose a red wine that can stand up to those bold flavours. 

But if you’re serving lighter fare like chicken or fish, a lighter red wine would be a better option. Of course, the most important thing to consider when picking red wine is your taste. 

3. Know your price range.

When it comes to picking red wine, price is often one of the first considerations. After all, who wants to overspend on a bottle of wine that might not even taste good? But at the same time, you don’t want to end up with a cheap wine that tastes like vinegar. 

This is the first and most important step. Decide how much you’re willing to spend on a bottle of red wine before you start shopping. That way, you won’t be tempted to spend more than you can afford. Just because a wine is expensive doesn’t mean it’s automatically good. And just because a wine is cheap doesn’t mean it’s bad. 

Do some research to find out which wines are high quality but still affordable. If you’re on a budget, there are plenty of other types of wine that are just as delicious as red wine but won’t break the bank. 

4. Read the labels.

When you’re out shopping for red wine, it’s important to take the time to read the labels. By doing so, you can get a better sense of what you’re buying and make sure that you’re getting a quality product. 

The vintage is the year that the grapes were harvested. This is important to know because it can affect the flavour of the wine. For example, wines from warm climates will generally be fruitier than those from cooler climates. 

The region where the grapes were grown is also important. Different regions produce wines with different characteristics. For instance, French wines are often described as having more “body” than Italian wines. 

The type of grape is also indicated on the label. The most common types of red grapes are merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and pinot noir. The alcohol content is also listed on the label. Be aware that the higher the alcohol content, the more likely you are to feel its effects. Finally, take a look at the price. 

5. Trust your gut.

When it comes to choosing a red wine, it’s important to trust your gut. If you have a feeling that a certain wine will be too sweet or too dry, go with another option. There are so many different types of red wines out there, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different varieties and brands until you find one that you love. 

One tip for choosing a red wine is to pay attention to the colour. The darker the wine, the more tannins it will have. Tannins are what give red wine its astringent taste. If you’re looking for a more mellow flavour, go for a lighter-coloured red wine. Another thing to keep in mind when choosing a red wine is the body. 

Full-bodied wines tend to be more robust and have more alcohol, while light-bodied wines are more delicate and refreshing. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, ask your local wine merchant for help. No matter what type of red wine you choose, be sure to serve it at the right temperature. 

Red wines are best served at room temperature or slightly chilled. Serve your red wine too cold, and it will taste flat; too warm, and it will taste alcoholic. Finally, don’t forget to enjoy your red wine. Take the time to savour the flavour and aroma of your chosen wine. 

Red wine is a complex drink with many different flavours and aromas. It can be overwhelming to try to pick out the notes in a glass of red, especially if you don’t know what you’re looking for. 

But with a little knowledge about red wine, you can impress your friends (and maybe even yourself) with your wine-picking prowess.