If you’re starting out with wine tasting, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. Luckily, various wines are suitable for even the most inexperienced of tasters. There is something for everyone, from light and fruity whites to full-bodied reds and sparkling wines.
Whether you’re looking for a refreshing summertime treat or a bold glass of red, here are some of the best wines for beginners. We’ll discuss each type of wine’s different styles and flavours and helpful tips on selecting a good bottle. With the right knowledge and a little exploration, you’ll surely find your perfect pairing.
Table of Contents
1. Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio is a white wine, one of the best wines for beginners due to its light, fruity flavour, and versatility. It is one of the most popular Italian wines, known for its crispness and acidity. It typically has citrus and green apple flavours with a hint of honeyed sweetness. It pairs nicely with lighter dishes such as salads, seafood, or mild cheeses, making it the perfect wine for casual get-togethers or weeknight dinners.
2. Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is another great option for beginner wine drinkers. This light-bodied white boasts refreshing grapefruit flavors, passion fruit, and white peach, with subtle hints of grass, herbs, and minerals. Its light acidity makes it versatile, pairing perfectly with everything from salads and grilled vegetables to fish and chicken dishes. Sauvignon Blanc has a zesty acidity that pairs especially well with creamy sauces and richer foods. As with Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc can be enjoyed casually any night of the week or served at more formal occasions.
3. Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a popular white wine grape variety that originated in Burgundy, France. Chardonnay is easy to recognize due to its light golden color and oak-like aroma and flavor. Chardonnay is one of the most versatile wines, as it can be made both oaked and unoaked, with varying acidity levels. Chardonnay pairs well with many different foods and is a great choice for beginners, as the taste can vary depending on production style.
4. Riesling
Riesling is a white wine grape native to Germany. It is known for its floral, citrusy aromas and flavors and has a naturally high acidity level. This is one of the best wines for beginners. Riesling wines range from sweet to dry, making them extremely versatile when paired with food. Riesling also has a lower alcohol content than many other wines, which appeals to some new or novice wine drinkers. Riesling can be an affordable luxury and is often recommended to beginner wine drinkers because it is easy to find and enjoyable to drink.
5. Moscato
Moscato is a sweet, light-bodied white wine perfect for novice wine drinkers. With its fruity and floral notes, this wine has a low alcohol content and is easy to drink. Moscato is produced from Muscat grapes, the oldest domesticated grape variety. This wine pairs well with many fruits, desserts, spices, and cheeses, making it great for social occasions.
6. Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a dry red wine ideal for those just starting out with wine tasting. This type of wine has a delicate and subtle flavor profile, highlighted by berry and cherry notes and gentle tannins. Because of its complexity and weight, Pinot Noir is often recommended for more experienced drinkers, but due to its mildness, it is also suitable for beginner tasters. Its balanced flavor pairs well with many dishes, from salads to main courses like steak.
7. Merlot
Merlot is a classic red wine that is smooth, easy to drink, and perfect for beginners. It has a medium body and low tannin levels, making it approachable and balanced. Its flavor profile consists of sweet blackberry, cherry, and plums with notes of vanilla and spice. Merlot pairs well with many dishes, from light salads to hearty meats.
8. Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine that is bold and flavorful. It has high tannin levels and can taste dry or harsh when not aged properly. Its flavor profile includes dark currant, dried herbs, tobacco, cedar, and chocolate. Cabernet Sauvignon pairs best with steak, beef burgers, and game meats. The high tannin levels of Cabernet Sauvignon make it a great choice to pair with grilled or smoked meats. Although more complex than Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon is still very approachable for a beginner as long as it is aged correctly.
9. Syrah/Shiraz
This is also one of the best wines for beginners. Syrah/Shiraz is a popular red wine known for its boldness, complexity, and intense flavors. This iconic grape varietal originates in the Rhône Valley region of France and is now produced worldwide. Syrah/Shiraz is typically full-bodied and can be enjoyed with various foods, from red meat to creamy sauces or cheeses. This wine type often features dark fruit notes such as plum and blackberry and is sometimes blended with other varietals.
10. Zinfandel
Zinfandel is a bold, fruity red wine that originated in Italy and is now grown in California. It has raspberry, cherry, pepper, cinnamon, and toasted oak aromas. Zinfandel is a great choice for those just getting into wine because it’s easy to find, usually affordable, and pairs well with various foods. Its juicy red fruit flavors make it a perfect accompaniment to anything from pizza to barbecued ribs.
Final words
In conclusion, wine is an incredibly diverse and complex beverage that can take a lifetime to understand and appreciate truly. However, this should not discourage beginners from exploring and discovering different varieties of wine. Beginners must start with lighter and more approachable wines before diving into more complex ones.
The ten wines listed above are the best wines for beginners to start their wine journey. These wines offer a range of flavors, from sweet and fruity to dry and bold, and are widely available in most wine shops and restaurants. As beginners develop their palate and gain more wine knowledge, they can explore other types of wine and regions to expand their appreciation.
Ultimately, the best way to learn about wine is to taste as much as possible and explore different regions and styles. By learning about wine and experimenting with different varieties, beginners can develop a deep appreciation for this ancient and fascinating beverage.
