Six foolproof tips for choosing a good wine

2023-03-13

Six foolproof tips for choosing a good wine

Choosing the right wine can be a daunting task for many people, especially those who don’t have much knowledge of the subject. However, with some basic tips, it is possible to choose a wine that pleases the palate and meets expectations.

Buying a wine means navigating through an extremely large selection of bottles and it can be easy to make mistakes.

With so much information and opinions in the world of wines, from labels, grape varieties, prices, and producers we get the feeling that whatever the choice, there was always a better one. 

This article will allow you to choose the right wine for you without difficulties.

We present 6 foolproof tips to never go wrong when buying a bottle of wine. You don’t need to be a sommelier or an expert to enjoy a good bottle.

1. Know the context of the occasion

The choice of wine should be appropriate to the occasion on which it will be consumed. Knowing the environment where helps to narrow the selection quickly.

A formal dinner may call for a more sophisticated wine, while an informal gathering may be more suitable for a relaxed and uncomplicated wine.

If you are choosing a wine to accompany a meal, it is also important to take into account the taste and texture of the dish. In general, red wines combine best with red meat dishes, while white wines are best suited for lighter dishes such as fish and salads.

2. Where to buy

Know where to get the best wine. Wine is as important as where you buy it, whether online or physically.

Check if the place specializes in wines or, another hypothesis if it does in supermarket chains since many have a quality and varied cellar.

Take into account reviews and comments about the place where you want to buy wine, it can be a good source of information about the quality of service and customer satisfaction.

After the purchase proper care in the storage of the bottle. 

3. Product Appearance

It is important to know how to evaluate the state and appearance of a product before purchasing it.

Make sure the bottle is clean, with no stains or scratches. This can indicate whether the wine has been stored properly and whether the bottle has been handled carefully.

Check the quality of the cork. If it is dry, brittle, or moldy, it may indicate that the wine has been poorly stored or that the cork is of poor quality.

Check the wine level inside the bottle. If it is below normal, it may indicate that the wine has leaked or that there has been excessive evaporation, which can affect the quality of the product.

4. Scores

Scores are sometimes controversial. However, these scores are given by experts, and although they are specialized in wines, their tastes may not match those of people.

On the other hand, the scores influence the price of wine. High scores reflect a high price of the product.

These are some of the main wine evaluation systems:

  • James Suckling (JS)
  • Vinous (V)
  • Wine Spectator (WS)
  • Wine Enthusiast (WE)
  • Wine & Spirits (W&S)
  • Gambero Rosso (GR)
  • Jancis Robinson (RS)

5. Label reading

The best way to choose a good wine taking into account the reading of the label is to check the reputation of the producer and the information about the wine, such as region of production, variety of grape used, alcohol content, and premiums received. The information can help you choose a good wine. 

The wine harvest can directly influence its taste and quality. In general, older wines tend to be more expensive, but can also have a more complex and refined taste. On the other hand, younger wines can have a more fruity and fresh taste

Know the grape types. There are several grape varieties used in wine production, each with different characteristics and flavors. Research the main grapes and their characteristics to get an idea of what to expect from a wine made with a particular grape.

Identify the region of origin. Each region has its particularities, which can influence the taste and quality of the wine produced.

6. The price

No knowledge of a product, no one will want to invest a lot of money in a product they don’t know.

However, there is the idea that a wine with a higher monetary value is also of higher quality.

When selecting the wine you want to buy, start with the flavors and characteristics of your preference, as well as the occasion, and let the price be a secondary consideration.

It is important to remember that the price of wine can be influenced by many factors, such as the popularity of the winery, the location where it was produced, and the grape varieties used. When comparing wines at the same price, check out the wine critics' recommendations, which can help determine which is best.

 

Following these tips, the choices will eventually be the right ones. However, it is important to highlight that the choice of wine is of a personal nature. Try different wines and discover what suits you best. With a little practice and experience the choice is easier, regardless of the context.

Discover our selection of wines on our website!

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LA Ferraz

Wine production is a tradition of the centenary Ferraz family.

In total, the family owns approximately 20 hectares of vineyards, of which 5 hectares in the parish of Horta do Douro, municipality of Vila Nova de Foz Côa, in Douro Superior, and other vineyards in Valeflor, a centenary parish in the municipality of Mêda, in Beira Interior region.

Contacts

Travessa do Valverde
6430-371 Vale Flor - Mêda
Portugal

(+351) 962 932 295
Call to Portuguese mobile phone network

nuno.gomesmascara@laferraz.pt