We have discussed several topics related to wine as a beginner in my previous articles; you can tap to find more, so we can understand why wine is a beginner-friendly choice.
All these sound fancy! But how do we start, and why is wine beginner-friendly?
Gone are the days when Italy, France, Germany, etc, were only countries known for the world of wines; however, they are now termed as “OLD WORLD WINES”. Some countries are introducing themselves into the world of wine, and they come under “NEW WORLD WINES” like New Zealand, Austria, India, of course, and many more.
Indians are focusing on wines too, but for most, it’s not the glass they wanna pick and sip.
Let’s ask ourselves, WHY?
We usually pick the wrong label of wine for ourselves, YES! It can be a challenging aspect to pick one from the stack.
OK! This is where you obey.
Wine labels are not only subtle, but they also need you to read what they inform you.
If you are an Indian national and do not know where to start? Start with the Indian wine selection, as they are tailored for you and are very approachable with their flavor profiles, which are fruity, and can be a good starting point.
New World Wine or Old World Wine? French Merlot or Indian Merlot?
These questions are very common when you see wine labels, but there is something known as “Terroir” in the wine world, which plays a vital role.
What Is Terroir?
Terroir (pronounced Tehr-wah) is a French term that determines the natural factors and environment that influence a wine’s character, which includes:
- Soil – chalky, clay, limestone, volcanic, etc
- Climate – Rainfall, temperature, sunshine hours, etc
- Local ecosystem – Plants, microbes, vineyard’s microclimate, etc
- Topography – Slope, proximity to water, altitude, etc
These are some pointers that come under Terroir, which simply means the environment around the vineyard. Is there a river flowing within 100m of the vineyard? Does it get too cool at night? Does the vineyard have a natural water source across? The wind and so on change the personality of the grapes. Winemakers believe Terroir shapes a wine’s aroma, flavour, and texture. So two wines made from the same grape in two different “Terroirs” can taste very differently.
Best Wine Beginner-Friendly Food, And White Wine Pairing
Sula Chennin late harvest – I would recommend this with “Gajar ka halwa, Cheesecake, Gulab Jamun, or just enjoy with cheese”.
Charosa sauvignon blanc – I would pair these tropical notes with “a bowl of salad, any mild seafood preparations, and sautéed vegetables”.
Once you have acquired these elegant drops of glory for your palate, maybe you can upgrade to Dr. Loosen Riesling, which comes from the region of Germany.
“Pair this glory with Paneer Tikka, creamy pasta, spicy seafood, and chana masala.”
WALLAH!!
Best Red Wine And Food Pairing For Beginners
Sula Shiraz Cabernet – Meals are always enjoyed flavourful and spicy, pairing this with “Roganjosh, tikka masala, barbecued meats, and more dishes which are medium spicy”
Medera – Pocket-friendly and yet one smooth wine that you could enjoy with “Butter chicken, Red curries, and other grilled meats and marinated grilled vegetables”
TIME TO UPGRADE!!!…..
Pater Sangiovese – Have this with “Stews, butter chicken, tandoor, and tangy sauces”
“Uff! Heaven”……
Best Rosé Wine And Food Pairing For Beginners
York Zinfandel – I loved having this with “Baingan Bharta, Mushrooms, and hot curries, and dishes rich in chillies”.
MATEUS ROSÉ – reserving this with “creamy dishes, like Makhani, Tikka, and if you’re having a feast with Biryani”.
“butterflies everywhere”.
Sparkling wine has a very distinctive profile; its acidity and effervescence pair well with a wide range of foods, such as salty and fried foods like fries, seafood preparations, and creamy dishes, making it a superior choice for beginners. Tap on each to know more.
Some fortified wine options to choose like-
Great! Now that you are aware of how and why wine is beginner-friendly, you may have considered any of these labels, or you may have gotten distracted by some other label. It’s time to open and sip.
NOTE – The above-mentioned recommended wine labels and food pairing with wine shared are based on my personal experience and individual perspective.
Next Article!
We will focus on temperatures and other tips to consider to have a pleasant experience with wine.
Disclaimer: Images and external links used in this article are for informational and illustrative purposes only. Credits belong to their respective owners unless otherwise stated
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