How to choose the right red wine

There are so many different types of red wine available that deciding which bottle to choose can seem a daunting task. Of course, there is no definitive answer; there are many factors to consider.

It's often easier to buy wine online as you can easily see and compare characteristics; making spending an age reading the labels at the supermarket a thing of the past.

Here are some of the key things to remember when trying to choose that perfect bottle of red.

PERSONAL TASTE

Your personal taste is paramount when it comes to choosing the right wine; after all, you're the one doing the drinking. There's no need to worry about complicated terminology, simply think about the wine style, flavours and characteristics you enjoy the most.

Many people say that they prefer a ‘fruity' red wine, and in that case you can't really go wrong with a Merlot. This very popular and very drinkable red wine has rich, fruity flavours including blackberry, plum and cherry. With its soft, mellow characteristics it's a red wine that's very drinkable by itself.

Another term commonly used to describe red wine is ‘spicy', and if you like a bit of a kick to your red then you are looking for a Syrah or a Shiraz. Featuring spicy flavours such as black pepper, and even liquorice, Shiraz could be described as a discerning, multi-layered wine, great for those times when you're in the mood for something a touch more complex and interesting than your usual fruity favourites.

Of course, you may have other people's tastes to consider when you're trying to select the perfect red wine. Unless you know them very well this could be a near-impossible task! If this is the case, don't despair, instead focus on the following:

THE OCCASION

Are you shopping for the perfect dinner accompaniment, a bottle to savour with a loved one, or something light and easy to take to party? The occasion should play a part in your selection process.

A Pinot Noir could be a good choice for a romantic evening, with its seductive ruby red colour and fruity flavours. The Pinot Noir enjoys a certain exclusivity as it's a difficult grape to get right and is not blended with any other grape varieties. All this means that a good bottle of Pinot Noir has had a great deal of care and effort poured into it and is a very special red for your very special someone.

At the other end of the scale, a Cabernet Sauvignon will grow in most sunny places, which is sometimes to its detriment. Despite being easy to grow, a Cab Sav needs to reach the right stage of ripeness to prevent an unpleasant lean and mean taste.

However, when the grape has been grown correctly, a good Cabernet Sauvignon is a diverse delight. As perfect for a snuggly night in as it is for parties, it's a flexible wine and as such, everyone should have a bottle in their wine rack.

ACCOMPANIMENTS

When it comes to choosing the perfect bottle of red to have with dinner, you need to look at your menu. Everyone knows the old rule of having red wine with red meat, and white wine with fish, but maybe it's time to throw out the rule book.

Those who adore a good glass of red shouldn't feel put off having a light and fruity red wine with chicken, or anything else they choose to cook. It's simply a matter of finding the right red to complement the flavours of the food.

Ever the epitome of versatility, a silky and fruity Cabernet Sauvignon will go with white meats as well as red. Fish can be a little trickier, as it is sometimes described as imparting an unpleasant metallic taste to red wine. Choosing a light red wine is a good idea, as it won't overwhelm the delicate seafood flavours.

Of course, cheeses, red meats, hearty stews and Italian dishes all go with red wine like a dream, and you'll be spoilt for choice to accompany such a menu.

Taking the time to consider what's important to you in a wine will certainly make the selection process far easier. You can cut the list of potential bottles down to a more manageable level and are more likely to choose a wine perfectly suited for purpose.

Choosing mail order wine is often simpler as you can easily match your requirements to the clearly displayed wine characteristics.

Whatever your requirements, there's sure to be the perfect wine for you, so it pays to take time and explore your choices. Choose the right bottle and it's sure to be the star of the show, whether you're hosting a formal dinner, cosying up to a loved one, or enjoying a sociable evening with friends.

This is a sponsored posting.

31 May 2011