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The three "P"s of selecting wines are Price,
Preference and Pairing. Keep these in
mind when visiting your local wine merchant and you
will likely come away with a winning wine.
Price
The price you are willing to pay (or not pay) for a
bottle of wine is a key determining factor in
selecting a wine that is right for you. Gone are the
days when you could only buy a "good" bottle of wine
for over $30. In today's market there are plenty of
great wines available for around $15, some for
considerably less. So rest assured that you won't
have to drop a bundle of money to experiment with
various wines. A decent wine merchant will be able
to give you plenty of suggestions in your stated
price range.
Preference
Ahh, preferences. We all have them and they often
change in a moments notice, but with wine
preferences let them be swayed by what you will be
drinking them with or who you will be sharing them
with. For example, if you are hosting a happy hour
get together, your preferences might lean towards
"safe" reds and whites. For people that may not be
accustomed to heavier-bodied, heartier wines, give
them a break - buy a softer Merlot or Pinot Noir
(sometimes referred to as "Starter Reds"). For a
white, who doesn't enjoy a refreshing
Gewurztraminer? If you are seeking to experiment
with a new varietal, then talking to your local wine
merchant about wines, styles and labels, that you
have enjoyed in the past and asking for specific
recommendations should provide sufficient direction
for another great find. If you are new to wines and
are looking for a few suggestions - try a
Riesling , Gewurztraminer, or a Muscat
dessert wine if sweeter wines suit your fancy. If
you prefer a dry white wine then look for a Pinot
Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris or
Sauvignon Blanc. As for reds, starting with a
Gamay, Pinot Noir, or Merlot if you do
not want anything too complex or full-bodied. If you
are looking to turn up the complexity meter, then go
with a great California Cabernet Sauvignon,
Syrah (or Shiraz if its from Australia) or a
Zinfandel.
Pairing
If you are looking for a wine specifically to
pair with dinner tonight, then take into account
what the key ingredients will be. Will it be white
or red meat? Will you be using fresh or dried herbs
and what types? Will the dish be spicy or
fruit-filled? These questions can play a key role in
deciding which wines will pair well with specific
entrees. In general, white wines accent lighter
flavored meals really well; while, red wines often
compliment heartier meals a bit better. Keep in mind
that pairing foods and wines is 99% personal
preference and 1% science. |
