Random Tips To Help You Appreciate Wine At Dinner Party (17 items)

• (#5) Portugal Wines Are Often Underappreciated And Therefore Underpriced

  Question from a former Redditor:

  What region consistently has underpriced wines?

  Answer from Redditor /u/DustyBosie:

  Portugal is always my go-to for this. I still can't believe how affordable their wines can be.

  It might be different in your area, but I feel like I can always find a bottle of nonsensically good Dao for $10 to $15. And vinho verde in the summer is the freaking best.
• (#7) You Don't Have To Be Rich To Learn About And Enjoy Wine

  Question from Redditor /u/Twice_Knightley:

  What, in your opinion is the biggest misconception the average person has about the wine industry?

  Answer from Redditor /u/DustyBoise:

  That only the wealthy can ever have the opportunity to drink good wine or to learn about wine.

  It's a genuine bummer, but the archetype is pretty strong... But the weird part, a lot of people in that income bracket probably know the least about wine. In my experience, the majority of them know their brand, stick with it, and have no interest in even attempting anything new.

  The cool thing about wine is that its always been meant for everyone, and really anyone can learn about wine.
• (#3) How To Pick Wine For A Holiday Party

  Question from Redditor /u/ tontovila :

  If someone says "bring a bottle of wine" for Christmas or Thanksgiving, how do I pick one? I don't drink wine...

  Answer from Redditor /u/DustyBosie:

  Thanksgiving wine I'd say is up there with one of the most difficult pairings to make, primarily because it's a table full of competing flavors. You have the turkey (and who knows how it's been prepared), mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, freaking cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, parsnips, and those are all big bold flavors...

  Your best bet for Thanksgiving... would be something elegent and laid back. A Willamette or Loire pinot noir would be pretty ideal... [S]omething that will... not try to [compete with] the food for attention.

  [For] Christmas though, Zinfandel! Find a big... bottle of velvety, f*ck-the-snow zinfandel, save it for dessert in front of the fire, and tell every embarrassing family story you can think of.
• (#13) White Wine Is Best Had Within Three Days Of Opening It

  Question from Redditor /u/NotaSpyatall:

  How long does white wine last after you have opened it?

  Answer from Redditor /u/DustyBosie:

  Usually about two days. It can maybe go three, but just depends how picky you are.
• (#1) Pair With The Sauce Rather Than The Meat

  From Redditor /u/connie_con_con:

  Many wine experts suggest pairing with the sauce instead of the meat.

  Because cod is so delicate, this is probably the best route. Maybe a rose would give... the best of both worlds.
• (#17) When Storing Wine, Consider Air, Light, And Temperature

  Question from Redditor /u/ Jim105 :

  How do you recommend I store a bottle of wine after I open it?

  Answer from Redditor /u/ShirazAndShenanigans:

  [There] are a few things out there that want to ruin your wine: air, light, and changing temperature. So you'll want to minimize these things.

  First, air. You can purchase a wine pump, which will suck out air and seal the top nicely. They're quite affordable - I got one for $13. If this isn't an option, just ensure your cap or cork is immediately placed back on afterward.

  Light and temperature: avoid storing your wines in the kitchen, especially near the oven - this is probably the room that changes temperature the most in your house. I actually recommend the fridge - even for reds. I put a [cabernet franc] in the fridge a week ago, which still tasted pretty good last night! That said, I'd only recommend you keep it there for three to five days to be safe - you won't always get that lucky! And make sure it's stored upright.

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