Wine seems to be latest upcoming buzz in India. Learning how to taste wines is an adventure that will deepen your appreciation for both wine and wine makers. Here are some tips, which we learned in the
"Wine Tasting Event" organised by Tie:
Types of wines and food to go with: A simplistic approach is that wines are of 2 kinds - white and red (called so due to the colour and the grapes from which they are made - white wine being light textured and made from regular grapes and red, having a heavier texture is made from black grapes)Again, a simplistic approach in matching with food is that while white wine is served with white meat, red with red meat. However, generally, heavier meals and sauces require bigger wine to match their weight and lighter meals and sauces would require lighter and more subtle wines
A further classification can be on the basis of residual sugar content. Wine with low sugar content is called "dry" wine and with higher sugar content called "sweet". The drier the wine, the more fermented (and generally older) it is.- How to sip: (a) Pour the wine in a wine glass (which is broadest at its middle).To get a good impression of your wine's aroma, swirl your glass for a solid 10-12 seconds (this helps vaporize some of the wine's alcohol and release more of its natural aromas) and then take a quick whiff to gain a first impression (Remember not to breath out into the wine). (b)Take a taste. Start with a small sip and let it roll around your mouth. (Notice the change in taste of wine during your meal itself).
- Some interesting tips / facts:
- Wine need not be always expensive (although a champagne must be at least $20 for it to taste good)
- Lables of most wine bottles contain info on its origin / nature / suggestions for food to go with etc.
- Whatever people say, the bottom line is to choose a wine that you find to be an appealing combination with a particular dish. If you really enjoy wine, be prepared for a long process of trial and error
- Some good online sources : Smartselector.com, wikipedia (I should not write this), winespectator.com
