Wine Selecting Tips - Basic Advice on Choosing a Wine at Dinner

Wine has played a kingly role in the history of the world.

People have drunk it in majestic rituals and it has lived in the palace cellars. It has survived through the medieval times and has been used by the priests to cleanse the body and cure devotees their common maladies. Whereas it used to be enjoyed only by kings and noblemen, today wine is ubiquitously consumed by people all over the world. A buffet or a fine dining experience will not go well without a Chardonnay, for instance. Most people drink wine to loosen themselves up, after a hard day's work. Others imbibe wine as a form of epicurean art.

A meal will always be more enjoyable if paired with a great tasting wine.

The complication arises, however, as soon as you peer into the wine list and begin to squint in confusion. Of the thousands of wine choices now available, which of them should you set on the dinner table along with your steak? Which should you drink to wash your tongue after a fruity dessert? The common dictum is to drink white wine with fish, chicken and other white meat, and to complement a rich lamb or veal dish with red wine. This idea is tried and tested and people have agreed that it works. But do you know not all types of red wine are for rich, red meat alone?

Red wine is indeed majesty of liquor.

Not only does it go well with almost all kinds of meal, it also plays an essential role in our health. The latest news is that red wine actually combats Alzheimer's disease by preventing the build-up of plaque in the brain. Red wine contains resveratrol (a natural compound) which scientists say fights the slow degeneration of the nervous system's components as it combines with other anti-oxidants. Pinot Noir, for instance, has been discovered to be chock full of resveratrol. It has been reported, too, that this red wine compound can also help battle other degenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Huntington's disease.

Now let's go to the nitty-gritty.

Basically, there's a wine for every meal but the bottom line is to rely on your sense of taste. Different people have different palates and even the connoisseurs cannot agree on one rule when it comes to the perfect wine for a dish. However, the distinct characteristic of each wine should dictate which meal it should harmonize with.

For example, Cabernet Sauvignon being a varietal wine (which is a blend of one dominant grape and other less distinct flavors), Petit Sirah and Bordeaux can jibe well with red, heavy meat dish such as lamb, beef (most dish with spicy sauces) and other intense-flavored cheeses. Because of its full body and strong tannic taste, it can balance the feeling of greasiness in the cheese and the meat.

Sweet, sour, fruity, acidic, smooth sharp, crisp - Oh my.

You can recognize a particular wine's characteristic through its acidity, its body, the tannic content, its sweetness, its aroma as well as its overall balance. Chardonnay harmonizes with poultry and cheese. There are many variations of this white wine that can run from sweet and fruity to sour. It can even be paired with seafood such as oysters and can be served as aperitif. Chenin Blanc is also a white sparkling wine and goes well with fish and chicken. Most fish meals usually get paired with white wine but there are exceptions since fish dishes are prepared differently. The general rule is that wines that blend well with fish and other white meat contain high acidic flavor. The sharp, crisp hint of acid enhances the flavor of fish like a drop of tangerine juice would.

Pasta dishes & wine - An easy pair.

Wines that work well with pasta dishes are Merlot and Pinot Noir or Pinot Grigio. Pinot Noir makes a wonderful combination with steaks. It is a Burgundy wine that gets darker as it ages. It also matches well with fowl whereas Merlot is a good chocolate complement.

Advanced pairing, great combinations to enhance flavour.

Desserts are best paired with Rieslings, Port wines, or Madeira. Most oriental food and white meat dishes won't go wrong when matched with a Riesling. Spicy Mexican foods on the other hand are best eaten with Shiraz. Shiraz (also called Syrah) is a versatile wine; it complements many popular meat dishes such as chicken (tenderloin, rib or prime) as well as pork, beef and duck. If you like our regular fast food dishes like burgers and pizza or any meal with red spicy sauce Red Zinfandel is the perfect complement. A medium bodied wine such as Red Zinfandel will always taste better with red meat while White Zinfandel which is a newly-developed wine in the market goes in tune with pasta with light sauce, fish and most light dishes.

If you like ham and sausages a wine called Gewurztraminer will serve you well. This is also best for Asian foods and is known for its fruity flavor. Another wine that is in perfect harmony with pasta chicken and fish is the Sauvignon Blanc, more popularly called Fume Blanc. Most grilled dishes like fish and vegetables as well as exotic spicy foods go with Rose. Turkey served on Thanksgiving should be paired with a white burgundy wine called Chablis. If smoked salmon is served on the dinner table, it's best to enjoy sparkling wines.

Waiter, I'll have the ... how do you say it?

Apart from knowing which wine to drink along with your meal, it also essential to know a few important vintner's terms. If you're buying wine you must recognize whether it's brut, demi sec, sec or off-dry. These terms refer to the sweetness of the wine. Demi sec wines are a bit sweet and brut wines are not sweet at all. You will have a fair idea of the sweetness of it before actually opening its cork if you look at the label that's printed under the brand of the wine.

Because wine selection can be baffling, it is essential to understand some rudiments that you can use in your own dinner hosting or restaurant visits. If you have no idea at all as you gaze at the wine menu board which wine is what, ask your local chef or connoisseur. These people have fair enough experience when it comes to wine tasting, preparation and serving that you can bet they can give you what you are asking for. Once you have received some expertly advice, do the wine tasting yourself. Remember that one person's taste bud is different from another so you will have a notion of what really appeals to your taste.

The purpose of a good wine is to enhance, not bury.

A wine's purpose is not to overwhelm or overpower the dish served with it, but to complement, highlight or contrast its strengths and hints of flavor. For most people this requires a really fine and discerning taste bud. Some wines take time to mature and in this process their tastes change and either mellow out or grow more intense. You should be aware of this aging process of each wine. Some of these wines absorb the flavor of their storage barrels such as oak. Other wines can have complex taste through their color and smell. The rule is to sniff the wine for a good nose (a vintner's term used to denote the overall smell of a wine, including the aroma and the bouquet) and if you like the nose, it is highly likely that you will also adore its taste.

"Wine Connoisseur" is just a friendlier term for "English Major".

It is important to experiment with different wines. Connoisseurs may have a fairly good idea of what wine suits their taste, but you can't ask for a connoisseur's help each time you will prepare a meal with a wine. Experimenting helps you open up your wine vocabulary and expand your wine knowledge. It will give your taste buds a chance to explore the art of wine expertise. When trying out many different wine brands and learning each wine characteristic, make sure that you take note of each wine's uniqueness. In other words, a single wine tasting session does not make a wine taste consistent. The next time you taste red Bordeaux, for example, when paired with another dish, it will not be the same Bordeaux wine that you used to know. As you expand your tasting capabilities, you tend to forget a particular wine's characteristic too. That is why keeping an olfactory note of any wine is a must for anyone wishing to explore its complexity.

Your nose knows good wine, trust it.

Finally, trust your own taste when it comes to selecting wine either for aperitif, for dinner or for dessert. Do not be concerned about the "right" or the perfect wine. The key is to find which will complement and highlight the taste of your meal best. As you taste more wines and learn more, your confidence will grow. Don't shy away from new wines; instead give yourself the opportunity to be an expert yourself. Always exchange wine information with your local restaurateur/wine expert/wine merchant. Try new wines and mix them with various meals. You can break rules for as long as you as a host and your guests will enjoy your discovery. The point is, wine is an enjoyable meal complement and a dinner table's best friend. It should always stay that way.

Sean M. writes for several how-to, self-help related sites including those about his long time passion of drinking a little Pinot Noir and not looking foolish.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/100782

A Guide to Fine Wine

Wine is made from grapes, primarily the Vitis Vinifera. The main grape varieties, often called noble, are grown all around the world. They are widely recognised as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Grigio (Gris) for white grapes and Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah (Shiraz), Merlot, Pinot Noir and Grenache for red.

There are over one thousand (1000) grape varieties, as recently listed in the new book by wine expert Jancis Robinson. Wine is made all around the world, but is commonly divided into traditional wine producing countries (Old World) and countries where grapes have only been recently cultivated (New World). Old World wines come from countries such as France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Greece, Hungary, Romania and England. New World wines come from countries like the USA, Chile, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand.

Old World Countries have complex laws that define how and where grape varieties may be grown. These exist under the European framework of the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). In France the system is the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) and Vin de Pays. In Spain it is the Denominación de Origen (DO) and the Vino de la Tierra (VDLT). In Italy Denominazione di Origine Controllata (e Garantita) (DOC/DOCG) and the Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT). In Germany there is the Prädikatswein and Qualitätswein.

Famous wine producing regions include Bordeaux in France, where the red wine is often called Claret. The famous classification system here dates back to 1855 when the top Chateau were classified into five stages. This only applies to the wines produced on the left bank of the Dordogne river.

Other famous French wine regions include Burgundy, home to Chablis, Loire where Sancerre is made and the famous wines of Alsace. The most famous wine region in Spain is undoubtedly Rioja and the name Chianti and Chianti Classico is synonymous with Italy.

The New World Wine regions include the Napa and Sonoma Valley in California, USA where Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel are famous grapes. Wines such as Mondavi and E&J Gallo are well known and popular. Jacob's Creek is the best known Australian brand, although quality wine regions include the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale in South Australia where quality Shiraz is grown, Semillon from the Hunter Valley in New South Wales and Margaret River in Western Australia.

In New Zealand the Marlborough region produces fresh Sauvignon Blanc, although Central Otago is becoming a classic Pinot Noir region. The Malbec grape produces fantastic red wines in Argentina, mainly from the high altitude region of Mendoza.

Chile is home to a wide variety of grapes, their long thin country having several valleys that run parallel to the Andes, such as the Casablanca Valley, Maipo and Colchagua.

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Top Cheap Australian Red Wines to Try This Year

Australian red wines are known to be full-bodied and full of flavour. If you are a wine enthusiast, you have probably tried a lot of Australian reds in your lifetime. This year, however, you might want to try these first-rate red wines. That is if you have never tasted them already. Here's a list of some of the best reds from Australia under $15 to try this year.

RED KNOT CLASSIC CABERNET SAUVIGNON SA 2011

Not too many people are a fan of Red Knot, but if there is one Knot you should taste, it's the Red Knot Classic Cabernet Sauvignon SA 2011. Produced from a 5-star winery, this Cab Sav is a true-blue Australian red that is rich in body and integrated with harmonious fruit flavors. Among the aromas this Red Knot brings include chocolate fruit, dark cherry, and blackberry. You can get this for only $10 a bottle.

PENNYS HILL RED DOT MCLAREN VALE MERLOT 2011

The Penny's Hill Red Dot McLaren Vale Merlot 2011 is another red produced from a 5-star rated winery. One reason to drink this wine is the fact that it's produced from one of the premium winemaking regions in Australia. It's delicious and has a medium body with rich texture and dark fruit tannins. A perfect match for seafood, pasta sauce, and white meats, you can get this wine online for only around $8.

GRANT BURGE DALY ROAD SHIRAZ MOURVEDRE 2008 

Australian Shiraz has a reputation of being fruity and very high in alcohol content. Some even say it can overwhelm any type of dish. Nevertheless, the Grant Burge Daly Road Shiraz Mourvedre 2008 is a must-try. It's an award winning red wine and is perfect for any food-loving Shiraz drinker out there. Rich in flavor and aroma, you can get this bottle for only $15.

HESKETH COONAWARRA THE DEALER CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011

Yet another red produced from one of the 5-star rated wineries in Australia, the Hesketh Coonawarra The Dealer Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 is a best seller. This is one wine you should try if you are a fan of wines produced by family-run vineyards. Tom and Jonathan Hesketh, makers of this first-rate Australian red wine are committed in producing high-quality wines, which means you can rest assured this wine is going to be worth every penny. It gives you the classic Coonawarra herbaceous aroma, and has a persistent finish of fine-grained tannins on the palate. Get this for only $9 per bottle.  http://ezinearticles.com/?Top-Cheap-Australian-Red-Wines-to-Try-This-Year&id=7739312

A Beginner's Guide To Bordeaux Fine Wines

Wine is the sort of hobby that for many is a daunting and intimidating one that only those with the right knowledge are allowed to dabble in. But those with the knowledge weren't born with it - they had to learn it somehow! So here is our beginners guide to wines from one of the most important in the world: Bordeaux.

Whether you want to become a wine expert and use your knowledge and expertise to host wine tastings and events, or simply want to show off to your friends and family, starting with Bordeaux wines is a good place to start. They don't have to be expensive either - Bordeaux fine wine on sale can be found at all wine merchants. So read on to see what you can find out about Bordeaux fine wines.

The History Of Bordeaux Fine Wines

Bordeaux is one of the most famous and important wine regions in the world. Its 120,000 hectares make it one of the largest wine regions in France, and each vintage on average produces 700 million bottles of wine across the region ranging from everyday wines to some of the most prestigious and luxurious wines in the world.

Almost 90% of wines produced in Bordeaux are red due to the high number of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes growing across the region. The climate for these wines is perfect, allowing the vines to thrive and produce beautifully ripened grapes all year round.

Red Bordeaux Wines

Bordeaux is home to thousands of fine wines, with the majority of them being red although there are many beautiful whites also. If you're hoping to learn more about wine whilst on a budget, there are many Bordeaux fine wine on sale that can whet your palate. Besides, you may find Bordeaux wines aren't for you, although it doesn't happen very often!

Red wines are typically produced with a blend of various different grapes to give the wines their signature delicious and more rounded flavours. The most common grapes used are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot as well as Malbec and Carmenere. When paired together, particularly the Cabernet Sauvignon with the Merlot, the harsh flavours of the Cabernet Sauvignon become more rounded and easier to drink thanks to the Merlot's soft tannins. The Villa Antinori Rosso is a beautiful example of how harmonious the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes are when blended together.

White Bordeaux Wines

Bordeaux is such a large region with different parts having better soils and climates to others. The Chateau Deville Blanc is a fine Bordeaux wine, which hails from the Entre-Deux-Mers part of Bordeaux, which translates as 'between the seas'. The rich alluvial soils found here allow the growing of white grapes to thrive, which is what makes up the Chateaus Deville Blanc. Made from a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes, the wine has real depth and fresh citrusy flavours.

Bordeaux's varying climates and soils makes it one of the most versatile regions perfect for producing a number of different wines. Now you have a little more information, delve into the Bordeaux wine at your local wine merchant. Whether you splash out on an expensive bottle or hunt for Bordeaux fine wine on sale you're likely to pick up a beautiful bottle of wine.Moez Smith is a wine enthusiast that enjoys writing about the best Bordeaux fine wine on sale. Visit The Perfect Cellar website for more information about fine wines.

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What Makes the Best Wine?

It may be a fascinating and thought provoking question, but does it have a good answer? In many cases choosing a good wine depends on personal taste. Some people like dry wine while others like it sweet. Then there are fruit wines and those that we all know the names of - Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon for example. But are there any common ingredients or methods that go to make up the best wine of the lot?

Is it to do with where the grapes come from?

You may think this is the case, but it isn't true. A world class wine is one that will sell for several hundred dollars a bottle. But the grapes that produce it could be just yards away from others that go into a much cheaper bottle most people would easily be able to afford. It doesn't necessarily have anything to do with the person who grows the grapes either. Some wines seem to naturally come to the fore while others languish far behind.

Is it a sense of personal taste then?

While experts have tried to find common ingredients in the best wine, they have yet to come up with anything definitive. The key ingredient here seems to be commonality in terms of how many people like a particular wine. There is no doubt that some are more palatable than others, but by the same token even the most unpalatable wines will be enjoyed by some!

The key rule to remember is this - if you like a particular wine then it is a good one, for you at least. It doesn't really matter what anyone else thinks. The only downside of course is if you happen to have expensive tastes! What about the methods used to drink wine?

Here we are referring to the ways that wine is poured from the bottle. It can be poured directly into a glass and quaffed down immediately, but this would be doing any type of wine an injustice. If you picked up a six year old bottle that had been corked up for so long, it would be prudent to let it breathe in order to enjoy it at its best. In fact this applies to every bottle of wine you ever uncork. If you don't stick by this rule you will never taste the best wine, purely because it has not had a chance to come into contact with the air.

In this sense you can get the best out of any bottle of wine you buy - red, white or rose - simply by pouring it out in the right way. If you invest in a wine aerator you can automatically aerate the wine as soon as it comes out of the bottle and into the glass. This will provide you with the best possible taste and sensations from every drop, even if you have only spent a few dollars on that particular bottle. As you can see, it's not just the winery it comes from that goes into making the best wine. http://ezinearticles.com/?What-Makes-the-Best-Wine?&id=5873681

Fine Wines From France

France is famous for a number of things - amazing food, the Eiffel tower, beautiful women, and of course, some of the best wine in the world. French wine is produced in several regions throughout France, on vineyards covering more than over 2 million acres. In a typical year, seven to eight billion bottles of wine are produced in France, making it Italy's strongest competitor for recognition as the world's largest wine producer. Some French wine varietals have roots as far back as the 6th century BC, and many of France's regions claim to still use recipes and techniques perfected in ancient Roman times.

Over the last several hundred years, French wines have been slowly becoming the most revered and most well known wines in the world. France produces, to many, some of the most familiar varietals, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah. Additionally, the names of many French wine regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne are also well-known throughout the world. The quality, techniques and styles used by French wine makers have been the benchmark for wine making in most wine-producing countries for many years.

Perhaps French wines are so loved by the world because the French so love their wine. French wine plays an important role in French identity and pride. However, over the last few decades, international competition in the wine industry has become more aggressive, and France's status has been challenged both by new wine makers and by traditional wine countries in southern Europe. This fact combined with decreased domestic consumption of wine has forced some French vineyards to deal with struggling wine sales.

The complex regulations and traditions behind French wine making can be hard to understand, and the labels can be impossible to decipher. The central concept to understanding French wine is to know the difference between terroir wines and AOC wines. "Terroir wines" are designated by their place of origin, which is specified on labels of French wine. AOC rules closely define which grape varieties and winemaking practices are allowed in different winemaking regions also referred to as appellations. Each of France's several hundred geographically defined appellations has a different list of wines it is allowed to produce. The rules must be followed by all producers who wish to use an AOC label on their wines.

Perhaps once of France's most popular wines, Bordeaux is produced in a large wine making region on the Atlantic coast. The Bordeaux region has a long history of exporting its wines overseas, making in one of the most well-known French wines around the world. Bordeaux wines are known for having powerful, tannic flavors. And have become some of the most collected and treasured wines in the world. Although its red wines are the most loved, wine makers in the Bordeaux region also make some sweet white wines. http://ezinearticles.com/?Fine-Wines-From-France&id=1386116