How to Choose the Right Wine: Sommelier Tips

Published on: 16 May 2020 Last Updated on: 18 February 2023
Wine

Wine is the key to a perfect dinner. A glass of wine will decorate any dish and make it play with brand new gastronomic overtones. In general, sometimes it is possible and even necessary to pamper yourself.

Unfortunately, when we come to a supermarket or wine boutique (which gives a lot more bonuses to wine karma), the perfect bottle of wine does not begin to flicker with lights and shine in the rays of designer lamps. You have to look for it yourself, the perfect bottle of wine. It is not an easy task for beginners.

Here are How to Choose the Right Wine:

First of all, you need to understand what you are buying wine for. For dinner, for a picnic, to have a drink with light snacks or as a gift. And of course, it is best to buy wine where there is a specialist who will help you make a choice, especially if you want to pick up the wine for a particular dish or as a gift.

What to look for if you choose the wine in a supermarket? First of all, it’s worth dropping the prejudices about “powdery” or fake wines, screw plugs, and counterfeit labels. All wine is real: just eat high-quality wines and eat low. As a rule, it is a question of price and place of origin of the wine. Also, many mistakenly believe that if the wine is sold at a special price, it means that something is wrong with it, and it is trying to “drain”. If the wine is sold at a special price, it means that the shop has just bought a large volume of wine at a very favorable price. It’s in their interest just to sell it quickly.

The origin of the wine is very important. To choose, for example, French or Italian wine, you need at least a little understanding of the regions, as very often the label indicates only the place of origin, where the wine is produced in a particular style and from specific grape varieties. If you do not yet have such knowledge, make a more confident purchase easier by focusing on mono wines from the New World. The label almost always indicates the grape variety and place of origin.

If you like light white wines, try the Chilean or New Zealand sauvignon blanc. Denser wines are torontes from Argentina and Chen Blanc from South Africa, while the dense California chardonnay aged in oak can even go well with white meat (chicken, pork) in cream sauce. Break the stereotype of combining red with meat, and white with fish: oily redfish (tuna, salmon), along with dense white wines are well suited to light red wines from grape varieties “Pinot Noir”, “Gamet” or light “Cabernet France” from Nice (France).

If you like rich red wines, try the Chilean Carmenaire, the Argentinean Malbec, the South African Pinottage, or the Australian Shiraz. These wines are juicy and bright, they are easy to understand and pleasant to drink for nothing, they are also suitable for a picnic or a feast, where it is impossible to choose a wine for a huge variety of dishes. Cabernet Sauvignon is another popular red grape variety that will fit well with red meat. It is grown in many countries, as it is not very whimsical, so its character may vary from light and fragrant to complex and requires long aging in the bottle.

By the way, about aging. A year is important for good wines from regions with an unstable climate, and it is better to contact specialists. Different varieties behave differently over time. In general, it is better to drink white wines as young as possible, and red wines need some time, during which certain chemical processes take place, due to which wine changes and tastes more pleasant.

However, one should not forget that wine is a living product. After some time, it ceases to acquire and begins to lose its good qualities. So it is not always useful to keep an expensive bottle of wine for a long time in the hope that over time it will only get better. New World wines (both white and red) can mostly be drunk by the young.

Read also:

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Sourcing Fresh Seafood Online

The Ultimate Guide To Sourcing Fresh Seafood Online

Today’s fast-paced world has made convenience and quality truly paramount, even when it comes to sourcing the freshest seafood. Fortunately, the rise of seafood delivery services has made it easier to enjoy the ocean's bounty from the comfort of your home. In this ultimate guide, we'll navigate the depths of seafood delivery, helping you make informed choices and enjoy the finest catches from around the world. Discovering The World Of Seafood Delivery Seafood delivery is your gateway to an ocean of culinary delights, whether you're a seafood connoisseur or a newcomer to the seafood scene. With a few clicks, you can access a diverse selection of fresh seafood, from succulent shrimp to mouthwatering lobster, delivered straight to your doorstep. Selecting The Right Seafood Delivery Service When embarking on your seafood delivery journey, choosing a reputable service prioritizes quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction is crucial. Consider these factors when selecting your seafood provider: Sustainability - Look for services supporting sustainable fishing practices to protect our oceans and ensure a future seafood supply. Variety - Opt for a provider with a wide range of seafood options to satisfy your culinary cravings. Quality assurance - Check if the service offers guarantees on freshness, and find out about their sourcing methods. Customer reviews - Reading reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the experiences of other seafood enthusiasts. Exploring Seafood Selections One of the perks of seafood delivery is access to a vast selection of seafood varieties. From classic choices like salmon and tuna to more exotic options like sea bass and scallops, you can explore a world of flavors without leaving your kitchen. Understanding Seafood Labels And Descriptions To make informed choices, it's essential to understand the labels and descriptions provided by your seafood delivery service. Key terms to look out for include: Wild-caught - Indicates that the seafood was harvested from its natural habitat Sustainably sourced - A sign that the seafood was procured in a way that ensures long-term ecological balance Organic - Denotes that the seafood was raised without synthetic additives or antibiotics Fresh vs. frozen - Consider whether you want fresh seafood or if frozen options are suitable for your needs Placing Your Order Once you've selected your desired seafood items, it's time to place your order. Most seafood delivery services offer user-friendly websites or apps, making the ordering process quick and convenient. Double-check your order details, address, and preferred delivery date to ensure a seamless experience. Delivery And Handling When your seafood delivery arrives, handle it with care. Follow these steps to maintain the freshness and quality of your seafood: Inspecting the packaging - Ensure that the packaging is intact and well-chilled. Storage - Store your seafood in the refrigerator or freezer according to the provider's instructions. Cooking freshness - Plan your meals to use fresh seafood within a few days of delivery for optimal taste and texture. Culinary Adventures With Seafood With your fresh seafood, it's time to embark on culinary adventures. Whether you're grilling, baking, sautéing or steaming, there are countless recipes to explore. From classic seafood paella to spicy shrimp scampi, the possibilities are endless. The Seafood Delivery Experience In your seafood delivery journey, you're engaging in a culinary experience that brings the ocean to your plate. As you explore different flavors and cooking techniques, you'll develop a deeper appreciation for the world of seafood. Seafood delivery services offer a gateway to the bountiful world of fresh seafood. By selecting the right provider, understanding seafood labels, and handling your delivery with care, you can enjoy high-quality seafood dishes in the comfort of your own home. Read Also: How Restaurant Space Landlords Can Be Successful 6 Tips to Maximize Refrigerator Use in Your Restaurant

READ MOREDetails
Baking

8 Baking Essentials For The Home Cook

Getting into baking as a home cook can be pretty daunting, especially when faced with a plethora of options and tons of confusing advice. You might just be standing in the store staring at the different products wondering whether you're supposed to buy a mixing bowl or a souffle dish. Believe us; you wouldn't want to end up with drawers full of unuseful stuff. So if you are a newbie looking for some advice for your baking journey, besides taking up some bakery courses, continue to read on and learn about some essentials you need. List of Top 8 Lucrative Baking Equipment For Home Cook 1 - Measuring Cups This one might be a no-brainer, but many people skip the basics when starting with baking. If you're wondering why you can't save some money by just using the same cup to measure everything - well, there are different measuring cups for wet and dry ingredients. Mixing those will make accurate measuring difficult and mess up your whole recipe. For sticky ingredients like honey and peanut butter, you can look into adjustable measuring cups, which are super convenient and prevent product waste. 2 - Spatulas There are varying uses of spatulas when it comes to baking. Whether scraping, stirring, or lathering, you'll find yourself repeatedly reaching for this handy tool. All the options might confuse you, so let's narrow it down to the basics. Ideally, you need spatulas that are: a) flexible and b) heat resistant. Even within those categories, there are many different options you can explore. So if you want to get into more detail, you can find out about the different kinds of spatulas here. As for between wooden and rubber spatulas, we'd recommend rubber. There are specific rubber spatulas that are meant to be heat resistant. So you get the best of both worlds. But if you are looking for more of an eco-friendly option, wooden spatulas are also great. 3 - Baking Pans Pans work as the base on which you start building up your dish, there is no baking without pans, and you can't get away with just getting one and calling it a day. But that doesn't mean you have to start buying every type of pan you can get your hands on. So again, we'll focus on the essentials. Muffin tins are a must and versatile since they can be used to make much more than the usual cupcakes. You can start with a smaller 6-cup pan or go up to 12 if you work with the smaller goodies more often. Loaf tins are also very important to have, and it's a purchase you won't regret. The possibilities are endless, and we recommend going for a non-stick one on the lighter side. 4 - Mixers Mixers are tools that can be a bit heavy on your wallet, but it's definitely worth the price. Many consider stand mixers the best option and have many pros: they're fast, thorough, and all-around convenient. The con? They can't fit into everyone's budget. If a stand mixer doesn't fit your budget, handheld mixers, specifically electric ones, are certainly not a bad choice. They don't hurt your finances and are easy to store as well. While not as fast as stand mixers, they still get the job done fairly quickly. 5 - Kitchen Scales Regarding accuracy, there is no tool better than digital kitchen scales. While you can certainly go for manual ones, the accuracy won't quite compare to digital ones. Measuring weight proves to be much more accurate than measuring volume. Whether your top priority is appearance or taste, accurate measurements are essential for both. It also cuts down a lot of the work you have to put in after you're done baking by decreasing the number of dishes used. If you're an experienced baker, a digital scale is a must since almost all professional bakers use it. 6 - Pastry Brushes Pastry brushes might seem like something you should skip over, but they're an essential item, and you'll regret not getting one. Pastry brushes are best used for tasks that require a more delicate touch, like glazing, coating with melted butter, and greasing pans. They can even be used to clean your dish by brushing off excess coating. They're fairly easy to use and don't make a mess, as the bristle soaks up liquids. 7 - Sifters If you're working with flour and sugar, you need a sifter or a sieve. The fine mesh allows you to sift sugar and flour, which is an important step in making brownies and cakes. Many recipes require your flour to be super fine, and the sifter is the perfect tool for achieving it. Dusting the tops of cakes or similar baked goods with icing sugar also becomes super easy when you have a sieve. Plus, it's very affordable and can last for years. 8 - Rolling Pins Getting a rolling pin seems fairly straightforward, but a fair amount of options are available for different preferences and types of recipes. Rolling pins with no handles and tapered edges are preferred because they can give you super smooth and even dough. These are called french style pins. Pins with handles are great for speed since you have better control over your movements. Going for more than one size will be helpful if you work with a lot of icing. Mini pins help when you need to be more careful and work with an intricate design. When it comes to material, wood is the best way to go since the flour sticks to it, making the process a lot easier. Conclusion So here's our list of baking essentials you need if you're a home cook! We understand how stressful it can be to be faced with so many options and wanting the best while trying to stay within budget. Still, if you stick to the basics, you're already equipped for most recipes. You can add to your tools as the need arises, and that's how you make sure you aren't getting things that will do nothing but take up space. We hope you found this helpful and happy baking! Additionals: Which Edible is Right for You?Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

READ MOREDetails
Going Gluten-Free

More Than Just a Fad: The Benefits of Going Gluten-Free

Going gluten-free has become a popular trend. More and more gluten-free products are taking up space on the shelves in grocery stores, yet at the same one, many people remain in the dark when it comes to the benefits of a gluten-free diet. Let's begin to address that by describing what gluten is and what it actually does. Gluten is a protein found in such foods as wheat, cereal, and certain grains. One of its main purposes is to retain the elasticity in foods during fermentation. It makes bread chewable and prevents certain foods from having a doughy-like, sticky texture. Worldwide attention: With an increase in people being diagnosed with gluten sensitivity and celiac disease, gluten-free diets have received a lot of attention from physicians from all over the nutritional spectrum, including dieticians, bariatric physicians, and weight loss physicians. There's a good reason for that. There are a number of health benefits which can be had from a gluten-free diet for anyone who has a gluten intolerance, such as improving energy levels, better digestive health, and decreasing cholesterol levels. Moreover, going gluten-free, even if it's for a little while, can help detox your body from wheat and processed carbs in general, too. Restaurants, too: It isn't just grocery stores that are helping their customers go gluten-free. There's little point in eliminating gluten from your shopping list if you're feasting on it when eating out or ordering in. Although those two options are becoming increasingly seamless with services such as Deliveroo continually adding more gluten-free restaurants to its platform. Celiac-friendly eateries available to order from include Uncle Pete's, with a customizable pizza on the menu, so going gluten-free doesn't mean that you can no longer enjoy the foods you love. Whether buying from a shopping list or ordering from a restaurant, if you decide to embark upon a gluten-free diet, you’d only be eliminating foods from your diet that are unhealthy, anyway. For example, most fried food would be immediately off-limits, due to the breading. The same would be true of many desserts. Reducing health risks: By eliminating gluten from your diet, you’re reducing the risk of health-related conditions, such as certain cancers, and heart disease. It can also help you to fend off germs and viruses, as many of the foods you will eat contain essential mineral and vitamins, as well as antioxidants. This will also mean minimising your intake of processed foods. Many processed foods that can be bought off the shelves contain high amounts of gluten, which is unhealthy, due to the fact that they contain artificial flavors and chemicals. Weight loss, too: Most foods on a gluten-free diet can help with weight loss, especially if you have a healthy balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. If you combine a gluten-free approach with the right proportions and combinations, however, and choosing gluten-free starches like quinoa, sweet potatoes, and brown rice, you’ll be eating healthier and more likely to lose weight. Bear in mind that you’ll need to exercise caution when it comes to reading food labels. Many packages state that their food is gluten-free when it may not be the case. There will always be replacements in unhealthy goods that contain gluten with other unhealthy gluten-free varieties. That’s especially true of high-carb foods, such as bread. So just be sure to go in with your eyes open. Read Also: Tips To Lose Weight Naturally Stay Away From These Foods To Remain Healthy Source: Max Pixel

READ MOREDetails