Wine can be found all over your environment, in any social gathering, restaurant, and even many grocery stores. Sometimes buying or drinking wine can be frustrating. In order to make sense of wine, continue reading the article below.

It pays to follow your gut instincts as you try new wines. There is no reason to please someone else’s wish for you to try a wine if you feel that you probably will not like it. You will just end up wasting funds on a wine that you are unlikely to enjoy.

Always try one bottle of wine before buying more. Given the wide variety of options, it can be hard to tell whether you will enjoy a given wine. Don’t break the bank on an entire case unless you’re sure you like it.

Buy yourself a wine cellar in order to maintain your wines properly over time. That is important if you get pricey wine you don’t want to keep in the kitchen but want to drink eventually. These cellars can improve the taste of your wine as time goes on.

Don’t be afraid of sulfite warnings. Wines all contain sulfites, though distributors in the United States must place a warning on each bottle. In rare cases, sulfites cause severe allergic reactions. However, if sulfites haven’t bothered you before, they shouldn’t now.

Reds and whites must be served in correct glassware. The white wine glass is designed to keep the liquid cool, and thus is narrower. Use larger glasses for red wines. Therefore, a great deal of air can warm the wine and activate its flavor.

If you are buying wine for a tailgate event, consider purchasing a bottle that has a screw top. It is easier to use than a cork, and you do not need a wine opener. They also re-seal better than traditional corks do.

Color does not reflect the lightness of a wine. Red and white wine contain identical amounts of alcohol. However, the white wines are often gentler on the palate and smoother in taste. If you want a light wine, choose a Pinot Grigio or a Sauvignon Blanc.

Drink white wines while they are still very young in age, typically the first year or two. One notable exception to this rule is Chardonnay. The reason for this is because oak is not typically used in the production of white wines. On the other hand, wines stored in oak barrels will taste better as they age.

Vintage isn’t talking about the year it’s produced, but when its grapes were harvested. Typically, the harvest time is within the same year that the wine is dated. They would then be fermented and aged in barrels until the wine was bottled and sold. The wine itself likely didn’t make it to shelves until 2011 or even 2012!

Do not hesitate to use wine for drinking or to drink alone if you need to relax. A bit of red wine with your steaks greatly enhances the flavor. White wine is great with seafood, during lunch or dinner. The flavor of a dish you are cooking can be enhanced when you add a little wine.

When you taste a wine, isolating the smells and flavors is something you should try. Some wines will be rich with fruity aromas, while others might have floral notes. In addition, you’ll likely recognize other aromas like honey, smoke, and caramel. Be aware of these various scents and you will get better at distinguishing them.

With your increased knowledge of wine, a menu or wine store should no longer intimidate you. You can enjoy your wine more easily with your guests or on your own. You’re on your way to becoming a wine connoisseur right now!