Wine is a beverage with a centuries-old tradition, which can be found on our tables both during everyday meals and special occasions. The richness of flavors, aromas and types makes choosing the right wine quite a challenge. This guide will help you find your way around the world of wine, choose the right type for the dish and learn the secrets of tasting.
Types of wine – basic information
Wines can be divided according to color, taste, sugar content, production method and grape variety.
Wine color:
- White wines: they are usually made from green or yellow grapes, without skins. They are characterized by a light color, which can take on golden or amber shades with age.
- Red wines: they are made from dark grapes, fermented together with the skins, which gives them intense colour and tannins.
- Rosé wines: these are wines with a light pink color that can take on different shades, from salmon to ruby red. They are made from dark grapes, but the skins are removed early in the fermentation process.
Wine Taste:
- Dry wines: contain a minimal amount of residual sugar (up to 4 g/l), are characterized by pronounced acidity and astringency.
- Semi-dry wines: contain between 4 and 12 g/l of residual sugar, and are fruitier and more delicate in taste than dry wines.
- Semi-sweet wines: contain between 12 and 45 g/l of residual sugar, and are sweet and fruity.
- Sweet wines: contain more than 45 g/l of residual sugar, are very sweet and aromatic.
Alcohol content:
- Light wines: contain up to 10% alcohol.
- Medium wines: contain between 10% and 13% alcohol.
- Strong wines: contain more than 13% alcohol.
Sparkling:
- Sparkling wines such as champagne or prosecco contain carbon dioxide, which is produced by secondary fermentation in the bottle.
How to choose wine?
The choice of wine depends primarily on individual taste preferences, occasion and the dish with which it will be served.
A few tips:
- Pay attention to the label: you will find information about the type of wine, region of origin, grape variety, producer and year of harvest.
- For light and delicate dishes: choose dry or rosé white wines.
- Meat dishes and cheeses: red wines go well. The more intense the taste of the dish, the more tannic the wine should be.
- For desserts: sweet or semi-sweet wines will work best.
- Experiment: don’t be afraid to try new flavors and discover your favorite wines.
Wine and food – perfect combinations
Choosing wine for a dish is an art that allows you to fully enjoy the taste of both the drink and the food. Here are some suggestions:
- Poultry: chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, pinot noir.
- Beef: cabernet sauvignon, merlot, shiraz.
- Pork: riesling, pinot grigio, zinfandel.
- Fish: sauvignon blanc, riesling, pinot grigio.
- Seafood: chardonnay, muscadet, albarino.
- Cheeses: cabernet sauvignon, merlot, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay.
- Desserts: portwein, sauternes, Tokaj.
Wine tasting – how to professionally evaluate the drink?
Wine tasting is a process that engages all the senses. To fully appreciate the qualities of the drink, it is worth paying attention to the following aspects:
- Appearance: evaluation of the color, clarity and viscosity of the wine.
- Fragrance: identification of fruity, floral, spicy and mineral aromas.
- Taste: Assessment of sweetness, acidity, tannins and the length of the aftertaste.
Stages of tasting:
- Examine the wine: pour a small amount of wine into a glass and assess its color and clarity.
- Smell the wine: Swirl the glass to release the aromas and take a deep breath.
- Taste the wine: Take a small sip of wine and spread it all over your mouth. Pay attention to the taste, acidity, tannins and the length of the aftertaste.
How to store wine?
In order for the wine to retain its taste, it should be stored in appropriate conditions:
- Temperature: the optimal temperature for storing wine is 10-14°C.
- Humidity: wine should be stored in a room with a humidity of about 70%.
- Position: wine bottles should be horizontal to keep the cork constantly moist.
- Light: Wine should be stored in a dark place, as light can negatively affect its taste.
Summary
Wine is a drink with a rich history and tradition. Choosing the right wine can be a challenge, but with the help of this guide, you’re sure to find the perfect beverage for you. Remember that wine tasting is above all a pleasure, so experiment and discover new flavors!
