Although it may seem like an easy task, many consumers make mistakes when buying wine that could be avoided with a little guidance.
This is because choosing a quality wine doesn't just depend on a well-known brand or a high price. It also involves some understanding of the different types of wine, their characteristics, and how they relate to a specific occasion or meal.
Whether it's due to a lack of knowledge or relying on mistaken assumptions, there are wrong behaviours that still persist when it comes to selecting a wine. With a little information and attention, you can learn to avoid these mistakes and make choices that will certainly improve your tasting experience.
In this post, I'll highlight the five most common mistakes people make when buying wine and give you some tips that will help you do it successfully.
1. Choose a Wine Purely on Price
Buying wine solely on the basis of price, whether choosing the cheapest or the most expensive, can be a huge mistake.
Price is not the only indicator of quality, since today you can find affordable wines on the market that are an excellent choice, as well as expensive wines that may not live up to expectations.
To avoid this mistake, research the wine regions and characteristics of the wine in question and read reviews by critics or other consumers. Nowadays, it's easy to access credible sources of information and apps that can help you make up your mind.
The best thing you can do is trust your palate and don't be afraid to experiment with different price ranges.
2. Not Considering Food Pairing
Ignoring the combination of the wine with the dish it will accompany can result in a less pleasant experience.
There are wines that don't harmonise well with certain foods, others that overpower the flavour of the food and even those that don't have the right structure to complement the meal in a balanced way. These are just some of the risks you don't want to take.
To avoid this type of situation, when choosing a wine keep in mind, whenever possible, the type of dish it will accompany. Remember that, in general, white and rosé wines go well with fish and seafood, while red wines are safe choices for red meats.
3. Not Reading the Bottle Label
The label on a bottle of wine contains a lot of relevant information that will help you better understand the type of wine you are buying.
There you'll find information such as the name of the producer, the wine's region of origin, the type of grapes used in production, the alcohol content and even tips on harmonisation. All these clues are useful for getting to know the profile of the wine you are buying. Ignoring this information can lead you to make an inappropriate choice.
To avoid this mistake, read the label carefully. This way, you'll be able to make a more informed decision and choose a wine that suits your preferences and the occasion in question.
4. Not Noticing the Alcohol Content of the Wine
The alcohol content of wine is often not taken into account when buying, which can lead to undesirable situations, especially at social events or long meals.
Wines with a high alcohol content, usually above 14 per cent, tend to be fuller-bodied and more intense, which can tire the palate and even cause drowsiness more quickly. So at longer meals or events where the wine will be consumed over several hours, it might be a good idea to choose wines with a lower alcohol content to help keep guests comfortable.
5. Focus Only on a Single Grape Variety
Limiting your choice to one or two of the best-known grape varieties may make you feel safer, but on the other hand, it prevents you from getting to know new flavours and styles of wine.
Each grape variety has unique characteristics that can surprise the palate and open up new horizons. Dare to take risks, try different types of grapes and venture out to discover wines with distinctive and differentiating profiles.
Now that you know the most common mistakes to avoid when choosing a wine, don't stop there. If you share our passion for wine, invest in expanding your knowledge and make your choices ever more refined.
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