How to Buy Red Wine

Are you challenged by the vast array of red wines to choose from? Here's a simplified method for finding a red wine that will satisfy you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Decide whether you want a dry, intense red wine, or a lighter, fruitier red wine. The more intense red wines include cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel and shiraz or syrah. Dry to semi-dry, full-bodied red wines include merlot, burgundy or pinot noir and blends like cabernet-merlot. Lighter, fruitier red wines include chianti, beaujolais-nouveau and varieties labeled as red table wine or "paisano."

2. Find bottles of red wine with vintages at least three years old. Red wines improve with age in the bottle and begin to reach maturity after three years. The major exception is beaujolais-nouveau and fruitier red table wines that are made to be consumed as soon as bottled. Exceptional vintages of red wine will mature earlier than average vintages, and can be very drinkable within two years of bottling. Try a younger bottle of your favorite variety occasionally, to scout for outstanding vintages.

3. Explore all the wine vendors in your area, including supermarkets and discount stores. Look for your favorite varieties in the oldest vintages. Try red wines in your favorite varieties from different regions, like Australia, Chile, South Africa and Argentina.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for case discounts on red wines that you have found consistently good. Prices can vary widely on the same wine from different vendors.

Resources

• Red Wine Academy

[veryirie]

on 10/14/2008 I'm a wine novice; thanks for the great tips!