5 Things You Should Know About Wine

Wine is a world of flavors, nuances, and experiences, and diving into it can be as straightforward or as intricate as you’d like. Here are five things every wine lover should know to help make the journey both enjoyable and enlightening.

1. Flavors in Wine Are Natural, Not Added

Have you ever read tasting notes and wondered how wine can have flavors like dark cherry, black tea, or currant? Understanding that these flavors aren’t added but naturally present due to the complex winemaking process is essential. Wine can adopt subtle notes from fruits, spices, and even earthy flavors like mushrooms. The result is a natural profile that can mimic anything from berries to pepper, honey, or citrus. This complexity makes wine tasting an adventure, as you’re not just drinking grape juice—you’re experiencing layers of natural flavor.

2. The Best Pairings Are Found Through Experimentation

Finding the perfect wine pairing is as much about experimentation as it is about guidelines. Light-bodied wines like Sauvignon Blanc pair well with light dishes like chicken or seafood, while full-bodied wines like Cabernet Sauvignon are an excellent match for richer dishes, such as steak. However, regional influences and the wine’s unique characteristics make each bottle different. A Cabernet from Napa will taste distinct from one produced in Chile or France, so sampling and experimenting with different pairings is the best way to discover what you love. Don’t be afraid to try new combinations—your palate is the ultimate guide!

3. Aging Doesn’t Always Guarantee Better Quality

There’s a common belief that aged wines are superior, but this isn’t always true. While some red wines benefit from 10+ years of aging, not all are meant to be cellared. White wines, for example, often reach peak flavor within a few years, as extended aging can cause them to lose their vibrant taste. Aging can soften tannins in red wines, revealing more complex flavors, but the results vary by wine. When in doubt, consult winery staff or experts to determine if a wine is age-worthy or best enjoyed young.

4. Most Wines Are Blended With Other Grape Varieties

If you buy a wine labeled as a specific varietal, like Pinot Grigio or Riesling, that means the majority of the grapes used belong to the named grape. In the U.S., at least 75% of the grapes must come from that varietal, with some regions in California requiring as much as 85%. However, it’s common for winemakers to blend in small amounts of other grape varieties to enhance the wine’s flavor, structure, or balance. These subtle adjustments add depth, allowing winemakers to create a more unique and harmonious wine.

5. There’s No “Right” or “Wrong” in Wine

Wine is ultimately a personal experience. A wine that one person finds exceptional might not appeal to someone else. Renowned critics and ratings can guide you to high-quality wines and regional authenticity, but they don’t dictate what you’ll enjoy. Everyone’s palate is unique, and the best wine is the one that brings you the most pleasure. So, trust your tastes, explore freely, and remember there’s no “right” or “wrong” in wine.

These five insights should enhance your wine journey, encouraging you to explore and discover what you truly enjoy. Cheers to finding new favorites and embracing the diversity that wine offers! 🍷