Wine is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the world. However, many people are nervous about choosing a bottle of wine. They feel as if they do not understand how to pick a great wine. It is not really that hard. The advice in this article will show you how to do it.

Learn about your wine shop. As you can imagine, each location differs significantly. Each market has different varieties, prices and general focus of wines. If you’re just starting to learn about wine, you probably want to stay away from expensive wine shops. Pick a shop that will let you learn about wine without breaking the bank.

Wine goes extremely well with pasta dishes. To choose the perfect wine remember that red wines work best with heavy sauces such as tomato sauce. Pair white wines with white sauces and salads. For basil pestos and other meatless dishes, you should opt for a complimentary wine such as a rosé.

Your wine must be stored properly for preservation of taste. Very cold or very hot temperatures can harm the flavor of wines. Flavors should be allowed to reach their full potential by storing wines between 50 and 55 degrees. Store your wine in a basement or a wine refrigerator.

When ordering wine at a restaurant, you should not spend too long looking at the list. If you are having diner with someone who knows a lot about wines, they will assume you are not familiar with the wines you see on the menu. It is best to choose within ten minutes.

If you are saving your wine after a night of drinking, make sure to cork it well. You want to avoid letting extra air into the bottle because it will completely change the taste of the wine and can cause it to go rancid. Make sure the cork fits securely, or use a wine stopper that blocks air out.

Look for online forums of people with similar loves for wine. This is especially true if you live in an area that doesn’t have tastings and clubs. It’s important to find a voice among friends with similar interests. Then, you can learn of new wines to try and share opinions on new pairings and more.

If you are not too familiar with wine, make sure to shop at a wine store. While many grocery stores and even some convenient stores carry wine, they do not have the staff on hand who really understand wine. If you shop with professionals, you will have a better chance of finding the wine you want and gaining valuable information in the process.

Try having some merlot with your steak. The fat and umami flavors found in steak, especially medium-rare or rarer, need acidity to cut through their flavor profile. Red wine is already a popular pairing for meat. The heavier acidity and fruit of merlot can really liven up your steak dish.

As you can see, choosing the right wine does not have to be an ordeal. Once you know a little more about wine, it is easy to find a great wine for your next meal. Just remember what you have learned from this article. Before long, you will be enjoying a wonderful vintage.