7 Things You Need To Know About Wine Before Entering A Wine Bar

You have probably had a glass of wine at an event but perhaps never really thought about the finer details about wine. There is so much that revolves around wine. History, culture, agriculture, geology, genetics and literally everything about wine is intriguing. Not to mention the mystifying taste of every bottle of wine. Before you raid the wine bar for your own fine bottle of wine, here are a few details you need to know.

1. The different varieties of wine

There are many different grape varieties used in wine production. These specific 18 varieties are known as international varieties or the 18 Noble Grapes. They include light sweet white wines like Moscato and Riesling, as well as deep dark red wines like Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, which you have probably heard of.

Credit: WineFolly.com

2. Popular wine regions

The three countries internationally known for wine production include Italy, France, and Spain. They produce most of the wine in the world. Furthermore, the wine produced is the best in the world. It is therefore not surprising that the most popular varieties of wine worldwide are from these three countries. We have a beautiful selection of wines here at Bert’s in Bundaberg, including original French Champagne.

3. Why some wines taste more tart than others

There are some wines that have a tart taste. This taste is referred to as acidity. Some wines burn the back of your throat. This is because of the alcohol level. Others leave a bitter-dry taste in your mouth, a taste known as tannin. Which wines you prefer depends on your personal tastes. And as you make your way through our wide selection of wines, you will surely discover your personal favourites soon.

4. The characteristics of wine and wine descriptions

The basic wine characteristics include:

• Sweetness: sweet wines give you a tingling sensation on the tips of your tongue
• Acidity: wines with higher acidity feel lighter-bodied. Rich and round wines are less acidic
• Tannin: this is the presence of phenolic compounds which add bitterness to wine
• Alcohol: on average, wine contains 11-13% alcohol
• Body: wine is either light, medium or full-bodied depending on the wine variety, its origin, vintage, alcohol level and method of production

You can use some of the following words to describe wine based on the characteristics mentioned above:

• Body: thin, cliff-edge, hollow, mellow, short, austere, angular, delicate, elegant, light-bodied, finesse, polished
• Style: barnyard, smokey, earthy, musky
• Tannin: bitter, harsh, aggressive
• Acidity: bright, astringent, edgy, lively, zesty
• Alcohol: hot, burn, jimmy etc. 

5. Drinking wine like a pro

Since wine is a very social drink, it is important to learn basic wine etiquette. For instance the motor skills of how to swirl, how to taste wine and how to hold and clink glasses. Other skills include ordering wine and opening the bottle properly. Here at Bert’s, we conduct occasional wine tastings and wine workshops where you will be introduced to these things.

6. Wine tastes different every year

Wine tastes different from year to year, so you can have a stash of the same bottle of wine which tastes different every time you drink it depending on the vintage. Wine is mostly drunk in the year it is released but there are some wines that improve with age. However, an older wine is not always better and it often comes down to your personal preference. Experiment with different vintages and see what you prefer. We’ve got a good range of different vintages here at Bert’s.

7. Drinking wine is an adventure

Wine is a unique beverage that accompanies your life experiences. Expand your understanding of wine. Treat it like a journey. An adventure. Let it take you to the most exotic places on earth, taste the different cultures and listen to the countless untold stories that exist in each and every bottle. Wine is not just there to be drunk, but to create unforgettable memories.