I do believe wine can be an acquired taste, and the best way to find out what kind of wines you like is to just keep trying new wines and taking note of your experiences with each one you taste.
In this post, I’ve listed the best wines for beginners to get you started on your wine journey, so you can get familiar with your palate and start enjoying wine more. If you’re interested in learning more about wine but don’t know how to begin, the basics of wine tasting and feel more confident in talking about wine. I can give you some general tips on how to start drinking wine and suggest some popular wines for beginners.
Starting with a small amount of wine is recommended, especially if you're new to drinking it. This is because wine contains alcohol, and drinking too much too quickly can lead to intoxication and unpleasant side effects. Additionally, starting with a small amount allows you to savor the flavors and aromas of the wine and assess whether you enjoy it or not. A standard serving size for wine is 5 ounces, so starting with a 2-3 ounce pour is a good place to begin.
Try different types of wines:
Trying different types of wine is a great way to explore and discover your preferences. There are many different types of wine, such as red, white, rosé, sparkling, and fortified, and each has unique characteristics that appeal to different palates. It's a good idea to start with the basics, such as trying different varietals (types of grapes) within each category. For example, in the red wine category, you could try Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah, and Zinfandel to get a sense of the range of flavors and textures. In the white wine category, you could try Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, and Moscato. Trying wines from different regions, such as California, France, Italy, and Australia, can also give you a sense of the different terroirs (soil, climate, and topography) and how they affect the flavor profile of the wine.
Pair wine with Food:
Pairing wine with food is a great way to enhance the flavors of both. Certain wines complement certain dishes, and the right pairing can bring out the best in both. As a general rule, pair lighter wines with lighter foods and heavier wines with heavier foods. For example, a light and crisp Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with seafood, salads, and light pasta dishes, while a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with red meat, stews, and hearty pasta dishes. A few classic pairings include:
- Chardonnay with buttery seafood dishes, roasted chicken, and creamy pasta.
- Pinot Noir with grilled salmon, mushroom dishes, and roasted vegetables.
- Merlot with grilled meats, meaty pasta dishes, and hearty stews.
- Sauvignon Blanc with shellfish, salads, and light vegetarian dishes.
- Cabernet Sauvignon with red meat, game, and rich pasta dishes.
Remember, these are just guidelines, and there's no right or wrong way to pair wine with food. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your palate.
Ask for recommendations:
If you're new to drinking wine, asking for recommendations is a great way to discover new wines and learn more about what you like. You can ask wine experts, sommeliers, or staff at wine stores or restaurants for recommendations based on your taste preferences, budget, and what you're planning to pair the wine with. They can suggest wines based on the varietal, region, or producer, and may be able to provide additional information about the wine's history, production, and tasting notes. Don't be afraid to ask questions or ask for a sample if you're unsure about a particular wine. Wine professionals are there to help you find the wine that's right for you.
Take notes:
Taking notes is a great way to keep track of the wines you've tried and to remember which ones you enjoyed the most. You can use a wine journal or a wine app to record information such as the name of the wine, the varietal, the region, the producer, the vintage, the price, and your tasting notes. Tasting notes can include descriptions of the wine's appearance, aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel. It's also helpful to note what you paired the wine with and whether you liked the pairing or not. Over time, you'll start to notice patterns in the types of wines you enjoy and can use this information to guide your future wine selections. Taking notes can also be a fun way to document your wine journey and look back on the wines you've tried.
Don't be intimidated:
It's common for people to feel intimidated when it comes to drinking wine, especially if they're new to it. However, it's important to remember that wine is meant to be enjoyed and that there's no right or wrong way to drink it. Don't worry about using the "correct" terminology or knowing everything about wine. It's okay to ask questions, and no one expects you to be a wine expert right away. Try to approach wine with an open mind and a willingness to explore and experiment. Don't be afraid to try new things and trust your palate. As you continue to drink wine, you'll gain more knowledge and confidence, but the most important thing is to enjoy the experience.
Best Wines for Beginners:
- Pinot Grigio: A light and refreshing white wine with flavors of citrus and pear.
- Sauvignon Blanc: A crisp and tart white wine with flavors of green apple and lemon.
- Chardonnay: A full-bodied white wine with flavors of vanilla and butter.
- Merlot: A smooth and fruity red wine with flavors of blackberry and plum.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: A bold and tannic red wine with flavors of black cherry and cassis.
- Zinfandel: A spicy and fruit-forward red wine with flavors of raspberry and black pepper.
- Syrah/Shiraz: A rich and spicy red wine with flavors of blackberry and black pepper.
- Malbec: A medium-bodied red wine with flavors of plum and chocolate.
- Rosé: A refreshing and fruity pink wine with flavors of strawberry and watermelon.
- Prosecco: A light and bubbly sparkling wine with flavors of green apple and peach.
- Champagne: A celebratory sparkling wine with flavors of apple, pear, and citrus.
Remember, these are just suggestions, and it's essential to try different wines to find the ones you enjoy the most.
Final Thought
Drinking wine can be a fun experience, and there are many ways to get started. Whether you're trying wine for the first time or looking to expand your knowledge, remember to start with a small amount, try different types of wines, pair wine with food, ask for recommendations, take notes, and most importantly, don't be intimidated. With an open mind and a willingness to learn, you can discover new wines, find your favorites, and enjoy the many pleasures that wine has to offer.