Wine 101: Fun Facts and Tips for Tasting

As you begin your adventure at Triangle Uncorked…

Trek into uncharted territory. 
When tasting different wines, don’t head straight for the familiar.  It’s your chance to try something different!

Don’t be afraid to ask. 
Having a conversation with the expert pouring the wine can really open your mind—and your palate.  Ask about the winery’s location and the process it uses.  Discuss your opinion to shape and strengthen your individual appreciation of wine.

It’s all about you.
Figure out what you like, and don’t worry about “wrong” answers.  Remember, what makes a wine good is that you like it.

Wine 101…
White Wines
White wines can range from fresh and unoaked to rich and oaky.  They are usually an appetizer wine, so sample these first and snack on the grapes and sandwiches you pack to eat.

Red Wines
The dark grape skins used in red wines give them color and tannin, the strong, distinctive taste of some reds.  Red wines go well with meals, so ask your expert what dish would be best when you find a red you enjoy.

Rose Wines
Rose wines are pink in color and are generally sweet—great for a hot day in the sun.  A chilled rose is a great alternative with light dishes and desserts.

When you bring it home…
Gauge the temp.
At Triangle Uncorked, you can order any wine you taste!  Serve the white wines you bring home cool but not ice-cold—you’ll discover a lot more flavor this way.  Drinking a red wine too cold can make the tannins taste really bitter, so serve it when the bottle of red feels cool to the touch.

The nose knows.
Your tongue can distinguish five tastes, but a plethora of smells will give wine the real kick.  Before you sip, give the wine a sniff and see which of tens of thousands of scents come into play. 

Let it breathe! 
It’s more than just fun—swirling freshly opened wine in your glass brings in oxygen, allowing the wine to open up and exhibit its many flavors.

For more information, check Wine for Dummies or ask your local wine retailer.