How to choose a good wine

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Russia is not a wine-producing country at all. We are strong in vodka, but the overwhelming majority of our weaker alcoholic drinks are imported. Wine in our mentality is surrounded by a certain halo of exceptional elitism, and often, going on vacation or a business trip abroad, friends and relatives ask to bring them a bottle of “something sort of … good” as a gift. You agree, but, having entered the most ordinary store, you are lost. Hundreds if not thousands of titles from different continents, countries and even regions. What to choose? You will stun the salesperson if you just walk up and say, "Recommend a good wine."

Because in response to this request, you will certainly hear a counter question: “Which wine do you prefer? White, red, maybe pink? Young or aged? Dry, semi-sweet, dessert, liqueur? After all, good wine is different, and regardless of the grape varietyor blend, growing region of the vine, aging time, or even vintage year. Let's start with the fact that the product must be made from must, not pulp. Some unscrupulous winemakers pour cakes with water, wait for fermentation and make a certain product, on the label of which the word “wine” also appears, but it is attributed in small print: “from wine materials.”

The second rule when choosing a quality product is not to focus on the cost. The most expensive is not the best wine. The pricing of alcohol is often influenced by customs duties, the beauty of the packaging, the cheating of an intermediary, and the supplier's purchase prices. In order to purchase a delicious thin drink at an affordable price, it is best to buy wines from the country in which you are currently located, and even the region in which you are staying.

Take France for example. In this region, a centuries-old tradition of growing various varieties of vines has developed, which has been superimposed by modern achievements in the development of a quality product. Do not be afraid to buy “alien” varieties there: Syrah (or Shiraz), Temranillo or Sangiovese. In the fertile soil of Bergerac, Bordeaux, the Rhone Valley or the Pais d'Oc, Persian or Italian grapes have grown into good wines with a distinctive taste. But Cabernet and Sauvignon will be more authentic, of course.

If you're in Burgundy, it's a good idea to get a few bottles from Beaune (not to be confused with German Bonn). A win-win option would be Gamay, Pinot Franc and Pinot Noir. Good wine is produced in Bordeaux, Cahors, Languedoc, Roussillon. In SpainThe Rioja and La Mancha region is famous for its delicious red wines. From a trip to the island of Madeira, be sure to bring the drink of the same name, just like port wine from Portugal. If you are in Germany but prefer red wines, the Ahr Valley offers a wide range of excellent products.

A good white wine should be light and delicate. Its refined qualities are most clearly manifested in cool lands: Rhine and Moselle Rieslings in Germany, Veneto in the Venice region, French Champagne champagne, blanket from Limou, sherry from Spain. In Burgundy, Chardonnay has reached its pinnacle of palatability in Grand Cru drinks, but it's also wonderful in the usual regional varieties. Central and Eastern Europe - Hungary, Bulgaria and even Moldova and Ukraine can also give you very good wines. Try Tokay, drinks from the cellars of Cricova, Crimean dessert and liqueur wines "Black Doctor", "White Red Stone Muscat".