Wine can seem overwhelming at first. With so many choices, it’s hard to know where to start. But don’t worry – there are plenty of great wines perfect for beginners.
You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy wine. Some brands make wines that are easy to drink and appreciate, even if you’re new to wine. These wines tend to be smooth, not too complicated, and taste good with or without food. This article will introduce you to five wine brands that are great starting points for your wine journey.
1) Barefoot Moscato
If you’re new to wine, Barefoot Moscato is a great place to start. This sweet white wine offers a gentle introduction to the world of wine with its approachable flavor profile.
Barefoot Moscato is known for its fruity and floral aromas. When you take a sip, you’ll notice hints of peach, orange blossom, and honey. These flavors make it a pleasant choice for those who prefer sweeter drinks.
One of the best things about Barefoot Moscato is its affordability. You can enjoy a quality wine experience without breaking the bank. This makes it perfect for casual gatherings or trying out different wine styles.
You might find Barefoot Moscato particularly refreshing when served chilled. It pairs well with light desserts or fruit-based dishes. You can also enjoy it on its own as a relaxing after-dinner drink.
If you’re looking to expand your wine horizons, Barefoot offers other Moscato varieties too. You might want to try their Pink Moscato or Red Moscato for a slight twist on the classic flavor.
2) Yellow Tail Shiraz
Yellow Tail Shiraz is a great choice for new wine drinkers. This Australian wine offers a tasty introduction to red wines.
The Shiraz has a full body and silky texture. You’ll notice flavors of red and black fruits. It’s easy to drink and pairs well with many foods.
Yellow Tail Shiraz is affordable and widely available. You can find it in most stores for around $10 a bottle.
This wine is meant to be enjoyed young. Look for recent vintages when buying. A 2018 bottle in 2018 is ideal.
You can pair Yellow Tail Shiraz with various dishes. It goes well with pasta, red meats, and cheese. Try it with veal ragu pasta or grilled meats.
Yellow Tail Shiraz is very popular. It’s the 5th most popular wine in the United States. Its popularity is growing worldwide too.
3) Cupcake Chardonnay
Cupcake Chardonnay is a great choice for new wine drinkers. This California-based brand offers a smooth and easy-to-drink white wine.
You’ll find flavors of apple, lemon, and vanilla in each sip. The wine also has a hint of toasted almond, giving it a unique taste.
Cupcake Chardonnay is barrel fermented to create a rich and creamy texture. This process helps balance the wine’s flavors and makes it more appealing to beginners.
If you’re new to wine, try pairing Cupcake Chardonnay with grilled chicken or seafood. It also goes well with light pasta dishes or salads.
The brand offers different styles of Chardonnay to suit various tastes. You can choose from their regular Chardonnay or try the Butterkissed version for a richer flavor.
Cupcake Vineyards also makes a Lighthearted Chardonnay with fewer calories. This option is great if you’re watching your calorie intake but still want to enjoy a glass of wine.
4) Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve
Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve is a great choice for new wine drinkers. This brand offers a range of wines that highlight vivid fruit flavors from California’s coastal vineyards.
Their Chardonnay is a standout option. It’s known for its quality and has been a trusted choice since 1982. The wine is certified sustainable and showcases the best of California’s cool, coastal vineyards.
You’ll also find other varietals in the Vintner’s Reserve line. These include Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Each wine is crafted to bring out the unique flavors of its grape type.
The Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and refreshing. It’s perfect for those who enjoy lighter white wines. If you prefer reds, try the Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir.
Kendall-Jackson wines are easy to find in most stores. They offer good value for their price, making them ideal for beginners. You can explore different types without breaking the bank.
5) La Crema Pinot Noir
La Crema Pinot Noir is an excellent choice for wine beginners. This California-based brand offers a range of Pinot Noirs that are easy to drink and enjoy.
You’ll find La Crema’s entry-level Pinot Noir from Monterey County for under $20. It’s a great starting point to explore this grape variety.
For a step up in quality, try their Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. It’s a classic representation of the varietal, showcasing the region’s unique characteristics.
La Crema’s Pinot Noir typically features aromas of raspberry and cherry. You might also notice hints of earthy florals and wild herbs.
When tasting, expect a smooth texture with balanced tannins. The wine often has a long finish, making it enjoyable sip after sip.
La Crema produces Pinot Noir from several regions. This gives you the chance to compare different styles as you learn more about wine.
Understanding Wine Varieties
Wine comes in many types and flavors. Knowing the basics will help you pick wines you’ll enjoy. Let’s look at the main wine categories and how sweet or dry they can be.
Red, White, and Rosé Wines
Red wines are made from dark grapes and have bold flavors. They often taste of berries, cherries, or spices. Popular red wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir.
White wines come from light-colored grapes. They have crisp, fresh tastes like citrus or apples. Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are common white wines.
Rosé is a pink wine made from red grapes. It’s light and fruity, perfect for warm days. You can find both sweet and dry rosé wines.
Sweet vs. Dry Wines
Wines range from very sweet to bone dry. Sweet wines have more sugar left after fermentation. Dry wines have little to no sugar.
Sweet wines like Moscato or some Rieslings are great for new wine drinkers. They’re easy to sip and pair well with desserts.
Dry wines have less sugar but more complex flavors. Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are often dry. These wines go well with many foods.
You can ask for help finding wines at different sweetness levels. Try both sweet and dry to see what you like best.
Tasting and Appreciation
Wine tasting is an art that lets you enjoy wines fully. Learning key techniques and flavor profiles can help you pick wines you’ll love.
Wine Tasting Techniques
Start by looking at the wine’s color and clarity. Swirl it gently to release aromas. Smell the wine deeply – this is called the “nose”. Take a small sip and let it coat your mouth.
Pay attention to these things:
- Sweetness: Is it dry or sweet?
- Acidity: Does it make your mouth water?
- Tannins: Do you feel a drying sensation?
- Body: How heavy does it feel?
- Finish: How long do flavors last after swallowing?
Try holding the glass by the stem to avoid warming the wine with your hands. This keeps the taste consistent.
Recognizing Flavor Profiles
Wines get their flavors from grapes and how they’re made. Red wines often taste like red fruits, while white wines may be more citrusy.
Common flavors you might notice are fruits like berry, cherry, apple, and lemon. You might also notice floral flavors like rose and violet. Additionally, some wines have spicy flavors like pepper and cinnamon, or earthy flavors like grass and minerals.
Don’t worry if you can’t name every flavor. Focus on what you like. With practice, you’ll start to pick up more subtle tastes. Keep notes on wines you enjoy to help remember your preferences.
