How to Select a Good Wine

"Penicillin cures, but wine makes people happy."

-- Alexander Fleming (1881-1955) the Scottish bacteriologist credited with discovering Penicillin in 1928

Sometimes it seems like selecting a good wine is more complicated than inventing a cure for the H1N1 virus. Obviously the selection of a specific type, year and brand of wine is a matter of individual taste - and all of these factors will alter the flavor, aroma and price of the wine. But differences aside, there are some broad guidelines.

When considering some of the more common red wines, some wine lovers find Zinfandel too heavy, while others complain that a Merlot has no depth. Most readily available red wines are meant to be consumed shortly after purchase. For the wine connoisseur with the desire and budget to taste the finest, patience really is a virtue. Cabernet Sauvignon would better suit those willing to age than a Pinot Noir.

A cool climate Chardonnay, such as those from Canada or the California's Columbia Valley, will interest those who enjoy a young wine with prominent acidity. But it can also be favored by those who want to experience it's nutty, buttery character that comes with aging, especially from French vintners. The German white wines range from the fairly dry Rieslings to the rather sweet Gewurztraminer. The latter goes particularly well with spicy foods and is perfectly suited to Thai cuisine.

Descriptions by class can be helpful. Class 1 wines, often labeled 'Light Wine' or 'Red Table Wine' will have an alcohol content between 7% and 14% by volume. Class 7, by contrast, will have an alcohol content of not less than 15% by volume. This type has usually been compounded with Brandy and flavored with herbs. Those with greater concentrations are considered 'fortified'.

Don't forget to look on the label for a declaration of the amount of sulfites. Did you know that sulfur is often added during the wine making process to guard against growth of unwanted organisms? Sulfur dioxide is also sometimes sprayed on the grape itself to reduce pests and can leach into the skin. Some wine drinkers are unknowingly sensitive to sulfites and can experience an allergic reaction. Concentrations of below 10 parts per million are fine for most, but these days one can easily find wine that is sulfite free.

What about wines from France? The names are hard to pronounce and what's the difference between a Bordeaux, a chateau and Beaujolais nouveau? It's all enough to make a wine novice give up and grab a beer.

One easy solution to these headaches is to join a wine club. choosing the best wine club for your taste and budget is far easier than figuring out which wine to select. Most of the best wine clubs allow you to decide if you want all red wines, all white wines or a mix of both. Some wine clubs specialize in domestic wines while others find small, boutique wineries in the United States. Best of all, the best wine clubs have experts that personally taste and select the best wines for their members. The best wine club understands that a happy customer, a customer that is receiving good value, is a loyal customer.

Next time you are trying to figure out whether to bring home that bottle of Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir or Pinot Gris, think about how simple and wonderful it would be to have an expert hand-select great wines especially for you and deliver them directly to your door. It's the best way to select a good wine. http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Select-a-Good-Wine&id=3425295