A QUICK GUIDE OF WINE FOR BEGINNERS – 305.262.2465

Wine is intimidating. There are dozens of different types of wine, each with its ideal pairing foods. And then there’s wine snobs – people who describe fermented grape juice as “unctuous.” It’s a shame because wine is delicious. With a basic understanding of different types of wine and their tastes, you can take a workday meal and make it extraordinary…or transform a regular hangout into something truly memorable. This article is armed with all the information you need to become a wine pro and is a detailed guide of wine for beginners.

What’s the difference between red and white wine?

Okay, you probably don’t need much assistance distinguishing between white and red wines. They have a distinct appearance and a distinct flavor. However, it’s worth your time to figure out why certain wines look and taste so different. The skins, and a little bit called tannins that they bring to the party, are the culprits in both situations.

Types of wine

• Red Wine

Red wine is one of the most talked-about wine types for beginners. Tannin is what gives red wine its structure, which is why it might be described as “hard,” “leathery,” or just “bitter.” Tannin provides red wines their texture, making them feel “smooth” and “soft” or “rough” and “chewy.” The greater the tannin and the “bolder” the flavor, the richer the wine. Red wine is a lot more extensive however and you should consult a complete red wine guide for beginners. 

• White wine

Tannin is present in white wine, but not in sufficient quantities to make it the star of the show. White wines, on the other hand, are supported by bitterness. That’s why a wine might be described as “crisp” or “tart.” White wine can also be described as “flabby” or “flat” if it lacks acidity. A popular example is Chardonnay. It is a good wine to try for beginners. Similarly, like red wine, white wine is also quite vast so you should consult a complete white wine guide for beginners. 

• Sparkling wine

Sparkling wine is a wine with a high level of carbonation, which can occur naturally during the brewing process or after fermentation by carbon dioxide injection. This is the best wine for beginners and you should try it if you are inexperienced in the world of wine. When reading the labels of sparkling wines, you’ll come across words that reflect the sweetness or dryness of the wine. It’s produced from a variety of red and white grape varieties.

Wine tasting tips for beginners

• Swirl and Sniff. It’s similar to a scratch-and-sniff sticker but better. Before tasting, you should definitely swirl the wine in your glass and then drop your nose to the rim and inhale deeply.
• Pose a question. Some individuals may be familiar with the names of well-known wine areas and notable grape mixes. The vast majority will not and will need guidance on wine for beginners. Please feel free to inquire about anything.
• Make sure to take wine tasting notes for beginners. Trust us, they will benefit you later.

Understanding wine will take time. But by reading this article, you will at least know the basics of wine for beginners.