If you’re new to drinking wine, the selection available online and in the stores can seem overwhelming. With literally thousands of bottles available on the market today, how do you know which ones you should try first? This post will help identify some of the most common types of white wine that you can buy as a beginner, or that you can give to a beginning wine drinker.
Here are a few characteristics of wines, both red and white, that you may find helpful.
- Tannin
Mostly found in red wines, tannin is a compound that leaves behind an astringent feeling when you swallow. New wine drinkers sometimes dislike this taste sensation on their gums and teeth, so look for wines with low tannin.
- Acidity
Like all fruits, wine grapes have acids that make them refreshing and crisp. The acidity levels vary among different wines. As you drink, ask yourself how tart it is and if you like a more or less sour-tasting wine. Most new wine drinkers prefer wines with lower acidity.
- Sweetness
Sweeter wines tend to go down easier with new wine drinkers; however, that doesn’t mean that a new wine drinker has to drink sweet wine, or that an experienced wine drinker has to stay away from sweet wines. If you like wines that are a bit sweet, look for ones that have higher alcohol content, but stay away from wines with “dry” on the label.
Really, it’s up to each individual, but white wines are lighter-bodied and usually easier on the palate for new drinkers as compared to red wines. Here are a few types of white wines for those new to wine.
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