Drinking fine wine from a premium liquor store can be made into an enjoyable, unique experience. There are a few steps to take in your wine tasting journey, like drinking slowly to appreciate the different tastes in the wine. Here are some ways you can enjoy drinking fine wine:
1. Use the Proper Glassware
There are different glasses for different types of wine. Each one is specifically designed to enhance and showcase the properties of the wine. Some different glasses include:
- Red wine glasses are taller and have a rounder bowl and rim. This exposes the wine to oxygen and showcases its aroma, enhancing its flavor profile.
- White wine glasses are thinner with a smaller diameter rim. This minimizes exposure to oxygen, which can dilute the fruity flavor.
- Champagne glasses are tall and elegant, which helps to preserve carbonation as you drink the wine.
2. Serve at the Right Temperature
When serving fine wines, make sure they are kept and poured at the correct temperature. The temperature may vary depending on the wine. If the wine is too cold, then flavors are lost or diluted, and if it is too warm, then flavors become too intense or alcoholic. Overly chilled wine has a diluted aroma, and too warm wine can be excessively strong. To thoroughly enjoy the wine, find the ideal temperature to serve it.
3. Let the Wine Breathe
Some wines require oxygenation before they can be enjoyed. There are a few ways that this can be done. For red wines that have a bold flavor, like cabernet sauvignon and merlot, you could decant them. This means to pour the wine from the original bottle into another container. Doing this gives the wine exposure to oxygen and mixes it, releasing its natural aromas. Red wine has tannins, which are compounds left over from grapes. It affects the mouthfeel of the wine, making it drier or wet. By aerating your wine before drinking it, you soften these tannins, improving the aroma, flavor, and overall mouthfeel. If you don’t have a decanter, you can swish the wine in your red wine glass.
4. Choose Food That Complements the Wine
When purchasing wine from a liquor store, try choosing it based on the meal you will pair it with. You want one that complements and balances the dish, rather than overpowers the flavors. If you are eating red meats like steak or lamb, choose a red wine such as a Pinot Noir. Red wines like zinfandel or cabernet sauvignon pair well with dark chocolate and pizza.
White wines work with seafood and chicken meals. A Pinot Grigio complements roasted chicken, while a salmon dish or pasta goes well with a Chardonnay. If you enjoy sweets and desserts, try a Moscato or Riesling to enhance your experience.
5. Enjoy it Using Multiple Senses
A fine wine is meant to be an experience, not just drunk. When drinking an upscale wine, you should experience it through sight, smell, and taste. Here’s how:
- Sight: After pouring the wine in the correct glassware, tilt it against a white backdrop. This allows you to get clarity on the color of the wine. You can observe if it’s cloudy. Swirl the wine around and observe the streaks of wine on the side of your glass to understand the body and texture.
- Smell: Swirling the wine around your glass releases aromas due to oxygenation. Holding the glass under your nose, sniff to try and identify the layers of aromas and flavors. These may include honey, citrus, or nuttiness.
- Taste: During the first tasting, take a small sip of wine and swish it in your mouth to cover all areas. This will help you cover all taste buds and identify flavors and profiles. Pay attention to the aftertaste.
Find Fine Wines at a Liquor Store Today
The color and flavor determine the quality of the wine. The methods that winemakers use add to the quality. These may include fermentation techniques and the variety of grapes used. When choosing a wine, research the year and weather of the region where the wine was made. The weather and region affect the grapes, which could affect the overall quality of the wine. Visit a liquor store today to find a high-quality wine.