There is nothing as confusing as standing in a supermarket aisle trying to select a wine bottle for your party or loved one. While French wine stands out as a perfect choice, you must get down to what you really want and the notes you enjoy most. So, where do you start with the wine selection? Here are a few tips from expert sommeliers that you will benefit from.
1. Get Down to the Basics
It would take forever to master all the intricacies of the French wine world. However, you must learn the basics to select the right wine. For instance, the regions with cooler climates are popular for producing high-acid and light-bodied wines. On the other hand, the wines from the southern regions are usually fuller-bodied.
If you are fond of Chardonnay and Pinot, your best bet would be going for Burgundy appellations. For those with a love for tannin-heavy red blends, then Bordeaux will suit your occasion just fine. You can check out different options and buy Champagne wines on millesima-usa.com while in the comfort of your home.
2. Check Your Price Point
How much are you willing to spend on that wine bottle? France is popular for producing some of the most expensive wines across the globe. However, you can still find budget-friendly, tasty options, especially from the southern regions such as Beaujolais. If wine options such as Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre are expensive, consider getting zesty wines from Touraine. They are all refreshing options which come at lower price points when compared to the higher counterparts. Whatever budget you have in mind, you can definitely find a French wine bottle that fits.
3. Read Reviews and Sommelier’s Recommendations
By definition, a sommelier is a trained wine professional whose speciality is in wine service, storage, and even food pairings. Most of them work in fine-dining restaurants and high-end wine bars. The best thing is that you do not have to go to these establishments to get their recommendations. Check online on the pages and social media accounts of renowned French wine sommeliers and see what they have to say. Don’t forget to read through the reviews on these platforms and know what other people think of your preferred wine bottle.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Diversify and Experiment
When trying out new wines, it is very easy to find yourself repeating the same French bottles. Even though it feels safe, there is so much more excitement in discovering new options. Unlike the other wines, French wine bottles usually have the region and appellation on them. Some of the popular categories include Bordeaux, Burgundy and Chablis. Consider the different French wine regions and producers until you find your most preferred options.
Conclusion
As you can see, finding the right French wine for your event should not be difficult. Start by getting your basics right, especially in the appellations and the different wine regions. While you may not know all of them, know that the southern and the northern parts do not produce the same wine. Secondly, your budget will determine the wine bottle that you get, as some can be pretty expensive. With the different types available, you can always avoid confusion by getting in contact with sommeliers to determine the ideal fit for your occasion. Lastly, do not be afraid to experiment until you find that special taste your buds appreciate.
