Wine 101

While the world consumes more beer than wine, it still ha a fervent following of dedicated tasters and enthusiasts. Whether you are new to wine or a seasoned fan, you will be sure to learn something new here. We'll be diving into a little bit of everything regarding wine! Let's learn more. How many kinds of wine exist? There are so many types of wines based on where they come from (California, France, Italy, etc) however there are some standard styles that have lasted through the ages that newcomers follow when making wine. The main categories everyone knows are red and white and some choose to include blush and sparkling wines nowadays in this grouping as they are becoming increasingly popular. A multitude of types such as Merlot, Prosecco, and Rose. These sub types tell you about the wine's heritage, its taste and way it was made.

Does wine expire? Wine generally does not specify a true expiration date, however like all food and drink, the longer it goes unused the potency and taste dissipates. Depending on the type of wine, you have a certain window of time (both opened and unopened) to enjoy it at it's peak. Bellow is an infographic that states the general window of time you have to enjoy different types of wine. Please note, that the way you store your wine will affect these. Temperature, container, and so much more can affect the taste and you should consult your wine maker for specific instructions based on their creation.

Are fruit wines actually wine? Fruit wines are not new but are becoming increasingly popular with homemade products on the rise. Fruit wines go through the same process as the wines you are familiar with, the difference is the fruits used. What kinds of glasses should I use? As we are aware, there are a plethora of glasses out there for wine drinking and tasting. The different types will allow for the wine to breathe, enhance the taste and so much more. Pouring it halfway is very common in larger glasses, while filling your flute completely is common for sparkling wines.

How do I pair my wine with my food? We will have a blog post diving deeper into this, but some basics regarding wine pairings follows science and how our taste buds react to the combination of tastes. Here are some basic tips to follow when pairing your wine.

1. The wine should be more acidic than the food.

2. The wine should be sweeter than the food.

3. The wine should have the same flavor intensity as the food.

4. Red wines pair best with bold flavored meats (ex. red meat).

5. White wines pair best with light-intensity meats (ex. fish or chicken).

6. Bitter wines (ex. red wines) are best balanced with fat.

7. It is better to match the wine with the sauce than with the meat.

8. More often than not, White, Sparkling and Rosé wines create contrasting pairings.

9. More often than not, Red wines will create congruent pairings.

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