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If you are buying wine for a particular meal, be sure the
wine is ready to drink and goes well with what is being
served. It's always good to keep a few different bottles
on hand so you're ready for an impromptu dinner party,
or just to enjoy anytime. Surprise your guests in serving
wines in unusual ways. A glass of Sparkling wine with a
touch of Icewine makes a sophisticated aperitif.
Find a reputable wine merchant whose expertise, and prices,
you trust. I like to choose a wine shop based on two criteria:
visual and shopkeeper's knowledge. In addition, I
also look for noticeable evidence of proper storage. It
is important to know if a wine shop stores their wine properly,
away from direct light and in a constant controlled temperature
year-round. Don't hesitate to ask the advice of a
salesperson.
Do not spend a lot of money on a sophisticated wine to
drink right away, especially if it has not reached its prime.
Store it properly and consult a vintage chart. Almost everyone
approaches wines with a price range in mind, so stick to
it. It helps when narrowing down your selection.
Keep track of the wines you like so you can find them again.
Some wine lovers maintain a wine diary/book. If you find
a particular wine that you like, remove its label by soaking
it in hot water, drying it, then pasting it on one page
in your book, put your tasting notes on the facing page.
If you particularly enjoy a bottle of wine in a restaurant
or anywhere, write down the name, the region (Appellation),
vintage and importer.
When buying for a group at home or in a restaurant, keep
in mind the wine preferences of the people in your party.
Do they like red, white or rose? Light, fruity, oaky, sweet,
full-bodied and tannic? When deciding how much to buy, remember
that a standard 75cl. (centiliter) bottle pours six to seven
glasses of wine.
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