A Beginner’s Guide to Maximum Wine Enjoyment

Enjoying wine as a beverage

See: Pour at least two ounces into the glass. Tilt it and look directly at the wine. Appreciate the jewel-like color, which could range from crystal white to deep purple. Check for faults: a pronounced brown tinge, cloudiness or unexpected effervescence could indicate a spoiled bottle that should be returned or discarded.

Swirl: Take hold of the stem near the base, and make a few small circular motions . For a spillproof method, place the glass on a flat surface. Swirling releases the wonderful aromas and flavor nuances you might otherwise miss.

Sniff: Stick your nose into the glass, and inhale the fragrance. Try to isolate a familiar scent like apples, cherries or oak, but don’t worry if you can’t. Simply taking the time to smell always enhances the taste.

Sip: Take a big sip of wine, and swish it around in your mouth. Consider the flavors and textures. Is it sweet or dry? Fruity or herbal? Is it light, medium or full-bodied (think skim milk, whole milk or heavy cream)? Most important, do you like it? Remember the best one is the one you enjoy.

Enjoying wine with food

For a good pairing, follow your taste buds instead of rules. But as a general gauge for matching food with wine flavors, try bold with bold, delicate with delicate, and creamy with crisp. Plan on an assortment of fast and fabulous finger foods. Dips, spreads, meatballs, and crostini are tasty choices. Mixed olives, dried fruit, nuts and crudites are effortless nibbles.

Introduce a different appetizer with each new wine.

Include an assortment of cheeses. About an hour before serving, arrange the cheeses on a wooden cheese board with crackers and bread on a wooden basket alongside.

To end on a decadent sweet note, serve a chocolate treat with port or other dessert wine. Cheers!

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