Misconception about wine

Wine is a wonderfully complex beverage. It can be studied for decades, yet there is always more to be learned. Whether you’re a wine novice who only drinks it on rare occasions or an experienced connoisseur who appreciates fine wine on a regular basis, chances are you have some preconceived notions about wine that just aren’t true.

CHEAP WINE IS BAD WINE

There are many things that go into determining a wine’s price. Although quality is one factor, things like cost to produce including labor, materials, packaging, and even label design can affect the cost of the wine you see on the shelf. Popularity is another big factor — that’s right, wines from popular grapes, wineries, or regions can fetch a higher price than those of similar or even better quality from lesser-known origins. Oftentimes, it’s worth trying wine from a less popular variety or producer to get more value for your buck.

SCREW CAPS ARE A SIGN OF POOR QUALITY

Corks have been a part of wine-making tradition for over 300 years. So, when fine wine manufacturers started replacing them with screw caps just a few decades ago, many people just assumed that the wine inside wasn’t the same quality. On the contrary, wines that are sealed with corks are more prone to having problems with oxidation and cork taint — a term that is used to describe wines with an undesirable, strong musty smell. Cork taint can be avoided with the use of screw caps, and more and more producers are turning to them as a way to keep oxygen out while providing consumers with an easier way to get in.

SWEET WINES AREN’T FOR TRUE WINE DRINKERS

Although many novice wine-drinkers tend to favor sweeter wines because of their easy drinkability, this by no means indicates that sweet wines are of lesser quality or can’t be appreciated by the most experienced wine aficionado. In fact, some of the most coveted and respected wines in the world are sweet wines. For instance, Sauternes are a popular type of sweet wine originating from the famous Bordeaux region of France, and ice wines, one of the sweetest types of wine available, are made using grapes that were allowed to freeze on the vine, thereby concentrating the sugars and creating an almost syrupy, dessert-like drink.

WHITE WINE GOES FISH AND RED WINE GOES WITH BEEF

If you know nothing about wine, chances are you’ve at least heard that you should order white wine if you’re having chicken or fish, and red wine if you’re having beef. While this can be a good rule of thumb, it’s not a hard and fast rule.

For example, a classic pairing for salmon, tuna, and similar hearty fish dishes is pinot noir — a light red wine with medium to high acidity. Keep in mind that finding the right wine to pair with your dinner has more to do with complementing the flavors and sauces. And, when it really comes down to it, pairing wine with food is entirely subjective, so if it tastes good to you, that’s all that matters.

If you’re interested in gaining a better appreciation for wine or are looking for a shop to purchase a special bottle, stop by liquor store in Avon, Colorado.