How to choose a good wine in the store

Before the solemn event and an important evening, the hostess puzzles over how to organize everything correctly. The guest of honor on the table is quality wine. The shelves are full of drinks from various manufacturers. Choosing the best option, taking into account taste preferences and price range, is not so simple. Today we will consider the basic principles that will help you give preference to quality wine. So, let's begin.

Choose country of production

The leading countries for the production and supply of wine are considered the following: Russia, Georgia, Ukraine, France, Italy, Moldova. Consider each manufacturer in more detail.

1. Russia. Grapes are grown in the Crimea, the Caucasus, in the vicinity of Volgograd, Voronezh, Krasnodar, Saratov, Stavropol. Give preference to the following brands: "Caucasus", "Pinot black", "Isabella", "Fanagoria", "Cabernet", "Russian vine", "Aligote".
2. Georgia. Today, more than 4,000 different varieties of wines are known to a person; more than 500 varieties are produced in Georgia. In Soviet times, this country provided the population with a healing drug, Georgia was allocated 80% of the supply. The country today holds a leading position. The most delicious and sought-after wines are Rkatsiteli, Kindzmarauli, and Khvanchkara.
3. Ukraine. Thanks to the favorable climate of Ukraine, experienced winemakers can afford to grow grapes and produce wine on its basis almost all year round. Long summers and mild winters make the drink truly worthy. If we talk about Ukrainian wines, choose "Shabo", "French Boulevard", "Belozersky" agricultural complex.
4. France. In this country, children are treated to wine, starting from the age of three. The culture of drinking wine is so high that France cannot be ignored as the main producer of the drink. From ancient times, the winemakers there are famous for their ability to cook red, pink, white and sparkling wines. If you want to enjoy French drink, give preference to the following brands: "Chateau Margot", "Chateau Latour", "O-Brion", "Chateau Lafite-Rothschild", "Antre-de-Mer."
5. Moldova. Moldovan wine has a light finish, sophistication. Winemakers in this country are preparing a healing potion not only from fermented berries, but also with the addition of natural apple juice. Naturally, the recipe remains a secret. But experienced sommeliers know how to distinguish real Moldovan wines from other producers. If you aim to try just such a drink, choose from the most delicious and popular options: Chumai Cabernet, Moldavian, Bouquet of Moldova, Romanesti, Onesti Aligote, White Dnieper.
6. Italy. Legends can be written about Italian wines. The drug is called not just good, but divine, magnificent. In addition to an acceptable price, you will receive a unique bouquet, manifested in a soft aftertaste. In Italy, grapes grow in the warm regions of the Apennine Peninsula. The mild climate and Mediterranean breeze do their job. Wines are divided into elite and dining. Among the most solemn are “Lagrain”, “Lambrusco”, “Dolcetto”, “Amarone”, “Malvasia Nera”.

Give preference to sweet and dry wines

The thing is that in the preparation of such a drink not very good raw materials are used. Sometimes waste is added to wine from the production of more expensive and "pure" varieties of wines (sweet, dry).

In addition, semi-sweet wine concentrates a lot of preservatives, flavor enhancers, and colorants, so it can not be called natural. The same applies to alcohol marked “semi-dry”.

We recommend choosing only dry or sweet wine without any “semi” marks. If you prefer this option, then automatically agree to consume a low-quality swill.

Avoid vibrant names

You should not buy wines with catchy names, such as “Samurai Blood”, “Werewolf Full Moon” and others. In practice, raw materials with such a label are not famous for their taste.

If you prefer domestic products, pay attention to famous brands. Take an interest in what wines your friends like to drink. Consult a professional consultant if possible. Keep in mind that the price of a good bottle of wine starts at 500 rubles.

Learn the inscriptions on the bottle

A drink that is sold abroad in bottles is many times better in quality than the raw materials poured from barrels in Russia. As a rule, unscrupulous producers dilute the wine to increase the volume. From such manipulations, the taste of the drink is greatly affected.

Wine produced abroad must contain the country of origin on the label. Such products indicate that the composition was produced exclusively for the domestic market. According to the law, a Russian-language label is glued on top of the original.

If you purchase wine, the bottle should indicate the year of harvest. The inscription will be absent if the product is not natural. Such a drink is a harmful concentrate of obscure compounds.

Look at the grape variety

Wines of good quality in the low price category are produced through the blending of several grape varieties. Pay attention to the label, this should be stated on the bottle. Each variety has a place to be on the bottle.

Only expensive wine is made from one variety. In most cases, you will not be able to find such raw materials on store shelves. Wine is simply not sold. Do not trust the bottle that says that the wine is made from selected grape varieties. This is usually a lie.

Here is a drink made from the remains of raw materials, which is not intended for quality wine. Like any product, there are always exceptions. French wines are produced without an inscription about which grape variety they are made from. The quality of the drink is controlled by law.

Pay attention to the bottle and cork

It is recommended to buy wine exclusively in a glass bottle or from a barrel. Do not try to buy a drink in a tetrapack. Such a product simply can not be drunk, in rare cases, the composition will be used for culinary purposes, no more. A producer of good wine will not save on packaging.

Give preference to a classic bottle. The container should not have sophisticated complex shapes. This is just a beautiful wrapper, the wine will be desired. After you have decided on the classic shape of the bottle, pay attention to the cork.

The plug should not be made of plastic. Pay attention to the integrity of the cork. There should not be a hint of cracks or smudges on the bottle. Wooden corks have a positive effect on the aroma and taste of the drink, which cannot be said about plastic ones. After opening the container, sniff the plug without fail. You should not feel a musty aroma.

Consider the price of wine

Do not rely on the fact that you can get quality wine cheaper than 400 rubles. Good wine cannot have a low cost.Do not believe the fables of those people who assure that a quality product can be purchased at an attractive low price.

If you have been to Europe or are planning to get there soon, you should pay attention to the fact that quality wine abroad costs at least 8-10 euros. Today, it is about 600-700 rubles.

All that is cheaper than this price category is performed at best from the waste of a quality drink. Such a product contains various chemical additives and emulsifiers. Wine often provokes an allergic reaction, upset stomach and poisoning. In the store, you should not even look at a rack with cheap products.

The choice of wine is a responsible event, which must be approached with all responsibility. If you do not want to fall into the mud in front of the guests, listen to the above recommendations. Do not buy semi-dry or semi-sweet, prefer pure wines from leading producing countries.

Video: store wine selection rules