Picking the Right Wine

Written by Charlotte Wood (last updated May 29, 2020)

The selection of wine is an art and one that requires skill and experience. If you're having wine with your meal, especially if it's a more formal occasion, you want that wine to complement your meal perfectly because the wrong wine can ruin a meal. You don't have to be an aficionado to select a great wine. Start with some basics and if you find you have an affinity for wine, then feel free to delve more into that labyrinth world of wine.

The basic rule to follow is to have light wines (such as a white wine) with lighter meals and heavier wines (like a red wine) with heavier meals. You don't want the food to overpower the wine and you don't want the wine to overpower the food—there needs to be a good balance between food and wine. The wine isn't just a beverage—it's part of the meal and even if you're a beginner it is possible to make a wise decision. You should also keep in mind your guests and your own personal preference; you shouldn't buy something you don't like yourself!

Much of picking the right wine comes with experience as well. The more you cook and have wine with your meals, the more you'll be able to pick what tastes best and your wine-choosing judgment will improve. Like with most everything else, picking the right wine becomes perfect with practice!

Here are a few basic tips to get you started:

  • With steak a merlot wine usually goes well.
  • Seafood tastes good with a well chosen Chardonnay.
  • Try a white Chardonnay or a red Sangiovese with your Caesar salad.

So regardless of whether you're a wine expert or a sheer novice you still can pick the right wine for whatever occasion. Follow these simple guidelines and you'll get off on the right foot. After you have a bit more experience, the choosing will become easier and your palate will become refined!

Author Bio

Charlotte Wood

MORE FROM CHARLOTTE

Dressing for Romance

It's always exciting to dress for a date and you always want to look good for that one person. However, thinking clearly ...

Discover More

How to Apply Eye Shadow

With so much makeup out there, it's sometimes hard to know how to correctly use it all. Here is a quick tutorial that can ...

Discover More

Getting Rid of Wrinkles

You never think you'll get wrinkles and looked aged, but the facts are, you will. Here are a few tips to help you take ...

Discover More
More Cooking Tips

Opening Wine Bottles Properly

About the only real problem that wine bottles present is getting them open. If not done correctly, not only is it ...

Discover More

What is Chardonnay Wine?

Looking for the perfect white wine to go with that special dinner? Use chardonnay. It's not called "the world's favorite ...

Discover More

Cabernet Sauvignon

The grape known as Cabernet Sauvignon is grown all over the world, and is the best known of the red wine grapes. The word ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is two more than 9?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)