A Beginner’s Guide To Wine: Industry Experts On Selecting And Drinking The Right Way

From watching your favourite movie character enjoy a light glass of wine with their dinner to being a part of an elaborate meal, wine is a part of most social events. Unlike traditional spirits, wine offers a complexity, and each type has its distinct taste. Thus, finding just the right wine that would suit your palate can be intimidating.

Also Read: Top 10 Red Wine Brands Of India With Prices

Wine For Beginners: Basic You Need To Know

“If you're a complete beginner and feeling overwhelmed by all the choices, my best advice would be to start with what you like and keep it simple. Instead of trying to dive into complex wine classifications, focus on flavours you already enjoy in other drinks or foods. For example, if you like fruity flavours, try a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a juicy red like Pinot Noir. Don’t worry about fancy terminology — just pick an appealing wine and see how you feel about it. As you try more wines, you'll naturally develop preferences, and then you can slowly explore different types and regions. It’s all about discovering what you enjoy without overthinking it,” says Nitin Goyal, Bar Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore.

Factors To Consider While Buying The First Bottle Of Wine

As per Sujit Kumar Giri, Food and Beverage Manager at Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield, “For a beginner, finding the right bottle of wine can be simplified by focusing on three essential factors:

Sweetness Level

Wines range from dry (little to no sweetness) to semi-sweet and sweet (more noticeable sugar content). If you prefer a crisp and refreshing taste, choose a dry wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Cabernet Sauvignon. For a smoother, fruitier experience, a semi-sweet Riesling or Moscato might be a better choice.

Body

This refers to how light or heavy the wine feels on your palate.

• Light-bodied wines (e.g., Pinot Grigio, Gamay) are delicate and refreshing.
• Medium-bodied wines (e.g., Merlot, Chardonnay) balance richness and acidity.
• Full-bodied wines (e.g., Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec) have a bold, intense character.

Alcohol Content 

The alcohol level affects the wine's taste and intensity. Lower-alcohol wines (around 9-11% ABV) tend to be sweeter and lighter, while higher-alcohol wines (13-15% ABV) are richer and more structured. If you're new to wine, starting with a moderate alcohol level (11-13%) ensures a smoother introduction.

By considering these factors, beginners can find a wine that matches their taste preferences and enhances their overall experience.

Mastering The Wine Label

“When navigating wine labels as a beginner, several key elements provide essential information about what's in the bottle. The varietal or grape variety is perhaps the most fundamental, indicating whether you're selecting a Chardonnay with its range from fruity to buttery notes or a bold Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine's region of origin offers valuable insights into its character - for instance, an Oregon Pinot Noir typically presents lighter, fruitier notes compared to its earthier French counterpart from Burgundy.

The alcohol content (ABV), usually ranging between 12-15%, helps indicate the wine's intensity, with higher percentages generally suggesting bolder flavours. Terms describing sweetness levels ("dry," "off-dry," or "sweet") guide you toward wines matching your preference for residual sugar content. The vintage year can hint at the wine's age-worthiness and potential quality, particularly from renowned growing regions. Finally, noting the producer or winery name helps you track your preferences, as established wineries often maintain consistent quality across their portfolio. As you become more familiar with these elements, selecting wines that match your taste becomes increasingly intuitive,” informs Nitin Goyal, Bar Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore.

Wines: Dry, Semi-Sweet, And Sweet

While reading the wine labels or skimming through information on the internet, you would come across the varying sweetness levels of wine. To make things easier, Hira, Bar Manager at Sheraton Grand Pune Bund Garden Hotel, simplifies, “Think of wine sweetness as a spectrum. Dry wines (less than 1% residual sugar) have little to no sweetness—like Sauvignon Blanc, which is crisp and citrusy. Semi-sweet wines (1-3% residual sugar) have a touch of sweetness, such as Riesling, which balances acidity and sweetness. Sweet wines (3-5% residual sugar or more) are more pronounced in sweetness—Port, a rich fortified dessert wine, is a great example.”

Basic Steps Of Wine Tasting

Once you know which wine you’ll drink, the next step is to learn the basics of wine tasting. “Wine tasting is a sensory experience, and following the 5 S’s—See, Swirl, Smell, Sip, and Savour—helps you appreciate it fully. Start with See, holding the glass up to the light to observe the wine’s colour, clarity, and viscosity (often called “legs” running down the glass). Next, Swirl the wine gently to release its aromas and notice its texture. After swirling, Smell the wine by taking a deep sniff, identifying different notes—fruity, floral, earthy, or oak-influenced—and assessing the intensity of its aroma. Then, take a Sip, allowing the wine to coat your palate. Pay attention to its texture, whether smooth or tannic, and note the balance of acidity, sweetness, and tannins. Try to identify distinct flavours such as fruity, sweet, sour, or even savoury (umami) elements. Finally, Savour the wine by reflecting on the experience. Notice how long the flavours linger and whether the wine feels simple or layered and complex. Every sip tells a story, and taking your time to savour it enhances the entire tasting journey,” describes Hira, Bar Manager at Sheraton Grand Pune Bund Garden Hotel.

Tips To Store Wine At Home

“To properly store wine at home, particularly given Indian weather conditions, the key is to find a cool, dark, and stable environment. Ideally, wine should be stored between 12°C and 18°C, away from direct sunlight and heat, to prevent premature ageing or spoilage. If a wine fridge isn't an option, a shaded spot like a dark closet or a cool room corner can work. Bottles should be stored horizontally to keep the cork moist, preventing it from drying out and letting air in. Humidity control is also important; aim for 50% to 70%, using a humidifier or dehumidifier as needed, depending on your local climate. Also, avoid storing wine in the kitchen due to temperature fluctuations. Following these guidelines will help protect your wine from the harsh Indian climate, ensuring it ages gracefully and retains its intended flavours,” Nitin Goyal, Bar Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, says summing up.