Eight easy tips to help you enjoy wine

Wine novices can pass as experts thanks to eight easy tips to identify the world’s favourite vinos.

The team from NetVoucherCodes.co.uk have researched and revealed the discernible characteristics of eight wines, and what foods to pair them with.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

With the country advised to stay at home and non-essential shops and leisure venues shutting their doors, NetVoucherCodes have seen a surge in interest for discount codes for wine clubs and specialist online drinks companies.

Enjoy a glass of redEnjoy a glass of red
Enjoy a glass of red

But for vino amateurs who don’t know their pinot grigio from their chardonnay, the team have compiled a beginners’ guide to the main characteristics of eight popular wines and how they should be consumed.

A spokesperson for NetVoucherCodes.co.uk said: “We’re no sommeliers, but we know there are certain rules to follow if you want to enjoy wine properly.“A little bit of wine knowledge goes a long way, and by opening doors to new flavours and styles, you’ll probably impress your friends and family too.”

1 Pinot GrigioA quintessential white wine, Pinot Grigio is light, dry and refreshing with crisp fruit flavours like apple or pear. It’s best paired with seafood - more specifically, shellfish.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

2 RieslingThe flagship wine of Germany, Riesling is at first sweet and acidic but balances out with lovely honey flavours. It’s a great pairing with spicy Asian cuisines or rich foods like pork.

3 ChardonnayChardonnay is the most planted grape in the world. Crisp fruit flavours like apple and pear are combined with citrus aromas and hints of spice and vanilla to make this wine.It’s a medium to full-bodied white wine that should be drunk with creamy sauces or chicken dishes.

4 Sauvignon BlancSauvignon Blanc is a light dry and crisp white wine that has citrus notes and grassy aromas. When aged in oak, the wine also has spice and vanilla flavours.Although it tastes great with grilled chicken or vegetables, Sauvignon Blanc is a perfect pair for scallops or other shellfish, similar to Pinot Grigio.

5 ZinfandelMost commonly, Zinfandel is aged in American oak, giving the jam-like ripe fruit flavours an earthy spiciness. Zinfandel is also known as one of the more alcoholic wine types, packing a punch.Although it is known to go great with a wide variety of foods, its perfect pairing is smoked or grilled meats.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

6 MerlotMerlot’s red fruit flavours and aromas are made complex by smooth undertones, as well as spice and vanilla notes, which are evidence of oak-aging.It tastes great with a burger, lamb or duck.

7 Cabernet SauvignonA full-bodied red wine, Cabernet Sauvignon is typically described as rich and robust.Most commonly aged in French oak, dark fruit flavours are combined with spices and other earthy aromas. The perfect pairing is a juicy steak or other form of red meat.

8 ShirazAlso known as Syrah, Shiraz is a very popular dry red wine.It’s typically bold and full-bodied, with aromatic notes of smoke, black fruit and pepper spice.Easy-drinking, fruity Shiraz goes great with casual food like burgers and BBQ ribs.