Are you ready to graduate from jungle juice and join the wine lifestyle? You heard it here first; out with the red solo cup and in with the wine glass. Becoming a wine connoisseur will change your drinking experience from trashy to classy. To begin, we suggest brushing up on your wine expertise by reminding yourself of wine tips and tricks; you don’t want to embarrass yourself!
Wine plays a considerable role in the development of society and culture worldwide. Ancient Romans were the first to enjoy the wine lifestyle. Long ago, wine was exclusively enjoyed by upper-class citizens and those of the royal family.
Interestingly, in the years following the fall of the Roman Empire, wine’s purity properties made it a substitute when water was sparse. Even now, moderate wine consumption lowers cholesterol, aids in heart health, and keeps your memory sharp.
Now it’s time to join the wine lifestyle; here is your beginner’s guide to joining the culture!
Beginner’s Guide to White Wine Lifestyle
White wine is famous across the globe; it boasts recognizable varieties synonymous with summer, long lunches, and lazy afternoons. White wine is high in acidity, making it one of the most bitter wine varieties. From Chardonnay to Riesling, there is an option to please your palate!
Best White Wines for Beginners
#1 – Chardonnay
Chardonnay comes in many different styles, from lean to creamy white aged in oak. The wine tastes of yellow apple, starfruit, pineapple, and vanilla. Chardonnay tends to sway on the dryer with robust flavors that carry vividly through the palate.
#2 – Riesling
Riesling is a lively wine that originated along the Rhine River and ran through Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and France. Depending on its making, Riesling incorporates notes of sweet fruit and citrus. The wine ranges from sweet to dry and pairs wonderfully with Asian delicacies.
#3 – Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon blanc is a herbaceous wine with a high acidity and an extensive range of fruit notes.
Depending on the growth location, the wine includes notes of gooseberry, melon, grapefruit, peach, or passionfruit. Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect addition to the next dinner party you’re hosting!
What to Pair With White Wine
- Seafood, specifically lobster or crab (best with Chardonnay)
- Cheese
- Rice
- Chicken
- Pasta
- Appetizers
- Desserts
Beginner’s Guide to Red Wine Lifestyle
Red wine ranges in color from purple to deep red to garnet, depending on the age and grape variety. The color indicates the age and evolution of the wine variety. As red wine ages, it turns from red to brown, a greatly aged red wine is referred to as “more transparent” in color.
Red wine separates itself from its white counterpart due to its tannins, which are the polyphenols that determine the wine’s texture, structure, and age-ability. The tannins leave a dry taste in your mouth, similar to black tea.
There is a large variety of red wine varieties to choose from – perfect for any wine lifestyle occasion you may have!
Best Red Wines for Beginners
#1 – Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon, “America’s Favorite Red Wine,” is the most widely recognized red wine variety. The wine was initially made in Bordeaux, France, but can now be produced worldwide. Its bold flavor tastes of black cherry, blackberry, and black currant.
#2 – Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is known for its rich color, soft tannins, and smooth finish. With its delicate fruitiness, floral notes, and hints of spice, it pairs well with spicy dishes, poultry, and seafood.
#3 – Merlot
Merlot holds vibrant flavors of black cherry, raspberry, plum, cedar, vanilla, clove, and mocha. With only a medium acidity, it pairs wonderfully with hearty meat and vegetables.
What to Pair With Red Wine
- Spicy dishes
- Poultry
- Beef
- Turkey
- Duck
- Chocolate
- Roast
- Lamb
Beginner’s Guide to Sparkling Wine Lifestyle
It’s always a good idea to have a bottle or two of sparkling wine on hand for an impromptu wine lifestyle celebration. Other than the infamous bubbles, sparkling wine is great for your gut, heart, and overall cognitive functioning. Let’s drink to that!
Best Sparkling Wines for Beginners
#1 Champagne
Champagne is a sparkling wine made in France’s Champagne region. It is the most famous sparkling wine, and many people use it to describe any sparkling wine. Champagne requires a more hands-on and cost-intensive process which adds to the overall price of the wine.
#2 Prosecco
Prosecco is a sparkling wine from the northern region of Italy. It leans towards the more ‘brut’ or bitter side. Prosecco differs from champagne due to the carbonation process. During production, carbonation is added to the tanks of Prosecco, whereas it is added to each individual bottle of Champagne. Thus, is a more cost-effective sparkling wine option!
#3 Cava
Cava originates from Spain with a similar production process to that of Champagne. Cava emits a lovely floral scent with and light lemon flavor, making it the perfect base for a mimosa.