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Wine Buying Guide

Wine Varieties

Guide to White Wine

White wines are a wonderful option for beginners looking to explore the variety of wines available.  Lighter in body than red wines, whites nonetheless are complex and highly varied in taste.The most famous white wine grapes are the Chardonnay  variety from France, but don't hesitate to explore Riesling,  Pinot Grigio,  Sémillion,  Sauvignon Blanc  and others. And though France is historically synonymous with wine, don't limit yourself; try whites from California,  Australia,  South America  and more! Check out our guide to get extra information.

Guide to Red Wine

Now we're talking.  Not only is red wine reputed to lower one's risk for heart disease, but it's also delicious and pairs exquisitely with most foods!  And thankfully, with an estimated 40-50 varieties of red wine grapes,  you're sure to find the type that will be your new favourite. While you are free to stick with the standard classics of Chianti  and Burgundy,  it's a safe bet you might also like a full-bodied Australian  Shiraz,  a peppery Spanish  Rioja  or a robust Argentinian  Malbec.   Read on to find more options.

Guide to Rosé Wines

To make rosé,  the skins of red grapes remain in contact with the juice for about 2-3 days and are then discarded. This gives the wine its distinct colour, which can range from a pale orange to nearly purple. It is traditionally delicate and dry, but in the latter half of the 20th century, medium to sweet rosés came into fashion. Blush wines  are also part of this category; they are typically North American  varieties but have also been seen in Australia  and Italy.  The term has thus come to indicate a sweeter pink wine rather than a regional wine.

Champagne 

Champagne  and sparkling wines  have significant levels of carbon dioxide in them, which gives them their fizziness. Traditionally, this is an elegant drink that is perfect for celebrating a special occasion--but why limit yourself?  The easiest way to learn more about them is to try, try, try!  So how about popping open the bubbly while cleaning the house (it will certainly make it more enjoyable) or watching football?  Sparkling wines are usually white  or rosé,  but sparkling reds  can also be found--now you know that you have lots of options!

Dessert  or Fortified Wines 

It's not just a clever name: dessert wines (also known as pudding wines ) usually are sweet and served with dessert. However, you might want to drink them by themselves for the full experience. Consider a Sauternes,  a Tokaji Aszú  or an Eiswein --but be warned that your guests may never want to leave! Fortified wines are wines to which additional alcohol has been added, originally for preservation purposes. This results in a sweeter taste which can be served either before (such as a fino  or amontillado sherry ) or after dinner (try a port  or madeira  wine).

Cocktails All Day!

Stocked up on all the wine you could possibly want? Use it to make cocktails for any time of day.

Morning

  • Champagne cocktails work best for the early hours. The most popular drinks are Bellinis  and Mimosas,  which mix fruit juice  with champagne for a fizzy concoction to wake you up.

Afternoon/Evening

  • Sangria  is a popular drink that combines wine with fruit  and sugar to produce a perfectly sweet or tangy drink.. Choose red  or white wine  sangria depending on your preference for taste, but do keep in mind that the red will be slightly more bitter.

Late Night

  • Maybe you're ready to start getting into some heavier drinks in the wee hours. Wine is good for that, too! It can be used to make several types of martinis  such as the Glamour Girl (pink Pinot Grigio, peach schnapps  and cranberry juice).

Storing and Pouring

Serve your wine perfectly every time.

Temperature: White Wine/Champagne/Rosè is best served chilled and needs to be stored in the refrigerator for only a couple of hours to get it to appropriate temperature. Red wine has a prime taste at room temperature--if your room is too warm, however, consider storing it in a cooler place before drinking.

Pouring: As for pouring, be sure not to fill the glass completely. Leaving it half-full enables you to swirl it around in the glass and help to release its aromas. Large wide-mouth glasses are great for drinking wine, and tall flutes are used when drinking champagne; this helps to properly maintain the carbonation.

Storing: Most wines can be stored for a few days, but not for much longer than that. Always be sure to replace the cork on your bottle or use a vacuum pump --this removes the air from the wine when corking it.

Related Guides

Wine's not much good if you can't get into it. Consult our guide to wine openers to find out the easiest way to go about it.

If you're a collector or just a slow drinker, our wine preservation guide contains essential information.

Our electric wine chillers guide will help to ensure that your wine is served correctly every time.

Red, white, dessert? Check out our wine glasses guide to help you really make an impression.

Whether you're a fan of the coupe or the flute, our guide to champagne glasses will point you in the right direction.

External Links

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NL: Wijn Shopgids