Pick A Red Wine

There are many red wines to suit your particular taste, as well as the occasion. Among popular red wines are merlot, cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, and zinfandel. Not only is red wine delicious, but it can benefit your health as well. Studies have shown that drinking red wine in moderation can improve the health of your heart and brain and can reduce your risk for cancer, obesity, and diabetes. You will be able to choose a good red wine by combining your personal taste with a little research.

Instructions

Choosing a Great Red Wine

1. Consider the food being served. Red wine generally is not paired with foods such as sweets, strong cheeses, raw vegetables, or fish. When choosing a red wine, make sure that you'll be using it to accompany foods such as red meat, Italian tomato-based dishes, and Greek foods. These types of foods best complement the flavors of red wine and will make your wine-drinking experience more pleasant.

2. Follow your nose. If you have the opportunity to sample some wines before making a purchase, roll the wine around in the glass before sipping. Inhale deeply. What do you smell? Red wine aromas can capture essences such as fruit, oak, spices, and even leather. By trying different types, you'll be able to decide which scents are more appealing to you.

3. Take a taste. If you like fruit flavors and a lighter taste, try zinfandel wines. If you want a soft taste paired with the flavor of black cherries, merlot is a good choice. If you want a more complex mixture of fruitiness, try pinot noir. If you prefer a heavier taste with hints of oak and vanilla, go for a cabernet sauvignon. Again, experimentation is the best way to discover your personal likes and dislikes.

4. Refer to the experts. Some wines receive special accolades from the experts. For instance the winners in the 2009 San Antonio Wine Festival were: 2004 St. Supery Elu; 2007 Sister Creek Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Blend; 2006 Coppola Diamond Collection Celestial Blue Label Malbec, 2006; Miro CellarsPetite Sirah 2006; Michael David Winery Petite Petit; 2007 Llano Estacado Signature Melange; 2006 Coppola Diamond Collection Green Label Syrah; and 2004 Terra d'Oro Deaver Vineyard Zinfandel. Consult local wineries for current information on wine ratings, or check magazines and online sources such as winespectator.com.

Tags: 2006 Coppola, 2006 Coppola Diamond, cabernet sauvignon, Coppola Diamond, Coppola Diamond Collection, Diamond Collection