Homemade Wine
The Wonderful World of Wine
Choosing Red Wine To Suit Your Tastes
Drinking wine in the past was associated with sophistication, and many people are often afraid to venture into the world of fine vintages.
It all comes down to personal taste. If you would like to have wine with your meal or enjoy a glass now and then you don’t have to worry about not having a wine cellar at home. All you need is a sense of adventure and a willingness to try new things.
Starting Small
Many people stick to white wine as reds can be a little hard for the novice to swallow. To ease you transition into red territory try a Merlot. A bottle of Merlot is usually a little on the sweet side, and has a smooth taste that. Look at the label on the bottle for a wine that is described as medium bodied, this is a great place to start your exploration of wine.
While the rules on pairing food and your favorite bottle of wine have changed dramatically in the last few years, a Merlot is always good with beef. Hearty dishes like casseroles and stews go well with Merlots. If you are taking a walk on the wild side with game such as venison then a Merlot is also a good choice.
The Shiraz is another wine that is pleasant on the palate. A Shiraz has fruiter flavors but there are certain vintages that can be a little on the spicy side. If you are comfortable drinking Merlots then this is the next step in your journey to be a connoisseur. A spicy chili can be paired with a Shiraz, this is also a good wine to bring to a barbecue.
If you would like something a little softer, with less spicy notes then there is nothing like a Pinot Noir. These delicate wines are very pleasant and go well with poultry dishes. Whether you are serving chicken, duck, turkey, or even rabbit the Pinot Noir makes an excellent accompaniment.
Once you feel like you have a handle on the Merlot, Shiraz, and Pinot Noir it’s time to join the big boys and try a Cabernet Sauvignon. This can taste bitter to the uninitiated as the tannins are stronger in this type of wine. Grilled meats and cheeses are the best foods to pair with a Cabernet Sauvignon.
Enjoy, and as always, enjoy responsibly, Don Trosper
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