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Best Wines For Beginners- A Simple Guide

14 Acres Vineyard & Winery · July 11, 2023 · 3 min read
Hands clinking glasses of red wine over a table of food, warm string lights behind

Picking the right wine for beginners may seem difficult. However, with a little research and effort, you can override the difficulty.

There is a first time for anything in life and that holds true for tasting wine as well! If you have never bought or picked wine variants, choosing a suitable one may seem hard. There are so many variants of white and red wines to pick from. However, with a bit of homework and research, you can surely override this difficulty.

A few tips for those new at tasting wines

  • Be open to experimenting with new wine strains. If you do not like the taste, there is always the option of picking a different strain next time.
  • You may also attend wine-tasting events near your region to learn more about new wine strains.
  • It would be a good idea to take suggestions from the staff at wine stores if you are unsure about buying wines. They are quite knowledgeable about wine strains suited for different types of customers.

White wine strains suited for new users

A beginner should opt for white wines that are smooth and silky on the taste buds with a mix of fruity flavors and acidity.

  • Vinho Verde- A Portugal-origin light-bodied white wine with local grapes, it has a refreshing and crisp taste. You also get hints of green fruit, citrus and peaches in it. One nice thing about Vinho Verde is that in it alcohol level is pretty much on the lower side. So, you will not have to always pair it with snacks.
  • Vermentino- Often called the island wine, Vermentino is an Italian- origin white wine with fruity flavors. It may also be made with a nutty undertone but overall it feels smooth on your taste buds.
  • Pinot Grigio- This dry white wine has an Italian root and notes of lemon in it. It is fruity and light overall.
  • Sancerre- Made originally in France's Loire Valley region, it is not as citrusy or pungent as Sauvignon Blanc and so beginners can try this without woes.

There are other white wines ideal for newbies such as Grenache Blanc and Prosecco.

Red wine strains suited for new users

The ideal red wines for newbies include strains with lower levels of detectable tannins. You may also try fruit-forward flavors.

  • Gamay- This French-origin red wine is related to Pinot Noir, but is less earthy and fruitier than the latter. You can have it without munching on snacks.
  • Merlot- Now, this wine is produced in many countries but this too has a French root. It is subtle and so suited for newbies.
  • Zinfandel-This full-bodied red wine with roots in Croatia has notes of sweet cinnamon and chocolate as well. It is also liked for low acidity and fruity flavors. However, it has elevated high alcohol levels.
  • Cabernet Sauvignon- Its smooth palate and vanilla undertones make it easy for first-time wine tasters. It comes in fruitier versions. The nice thing about the strain is its lower acidity and so it will not feel pungent.

Summing it up

There is no fixed formula for picking a wine for beginners. Just make sure it is not high on aspects like viscosity, tannins and dryness. Also, be careful about picking the right foods with your chosen wine. Taking suggestions from wine connoisseurs can be helpful in this regard.

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