Check Out the Backside

Here's a shocker: Good wine is neither expensive, nor old. So how do you know what makes for a good bottle of vino? Well, for starters, it's deep, complex and stays with you long after you've tasted it. You're saying, "but there are so many. How do I choose?" The general tasting rules of swirl, sniff and sip are a start, but there's more to learn when determining if a wine is worthy of your taste buds and cash. We went to the experts to find out exactly what to look for.

Scent of Attraction

First appearance isn't everything. Front labels can be enticing, but check out the full package before you purchase. Read back labels for more information about a wine. Sometimes there are some clues about the wine like fruits, flavors, the aging process, importers and region. Keep an eye out for any stamps of approval like awards or reviews—all signs of a good wine. Go ahead and ask for recommendations. Don't be shy! "Ask the wine steward or a friend for a recommendation to help make your selection," says Peter Click, president and founder of The Click Wine Group (Fat Bastard Wines). "If you're on a date, chances are the woman across the table will appreciate your humility, vulnerability and security to ask for help from a trusted expert."


Use Your Tongue

Sound sexy? Well it is, but focus. Once you've swirled and sniffed your way around the glass, go in for the sip. Let the liquid move around your tongue. Do you taste dark cherries, grapefruit? Use your taste buds to figure out how many different flavors you can pick up on. Hint: as long as it's in balance and isn't putrid-smelling, the more you can taste the more complex the wine.


Get Its Digits

Is that a 2005 Bordeaux? Good vintage. If you do some homework and know your years and some favorite regions, you'll know if climate and weather conditions produced a perfectly ripe harvest—and good wines. Extreme heat or cold or too much rain can take a toll on the quality of some grapes.


Embrace What You Really Like

If you purchase the wine again, chances are you like it. When you find one you like, stick to it. It's simple, but be mindful of the grapes varietals in the wines you prefer. If you like Pinot Noir from Oregon, you just might dig a Burgundy from France.



Source: http://www.nigeriakitchen.com/index.php?topic=31.0