The Best Red & White Wines For Beginner Wine Drinkers
Starting your wine journey can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming. Fortunately, you can easily buy wine to simplify the process. With so many options available, where do you begin your wine for beginners’ journey?
Whether you’re looking to buy wine or explore the nuances of wine tasting for beginners, this guide has you covered. Let’s dive into some helpful tips and explore top-notch bottles that are perfect for beginners.
Understanding Wine Basics
Before diving into specific recommendations, it’s helpful to understand some fundamental wine concepts. Wine is primarily made from fermented grape juice, but the variety of grapes, region, climate, and production methods all contribute to its unique characteristics. The main categories include red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines, each offering distinct flavors and experiences.
Tips on How to Start Drinking Wine
- Start Light and Simple: For beginners, lighter wines like Merlot are often more approachable. They tend to have lower tannins and more subtle flavors, making them easier to enjoy.
- Experiment with Different Types: Don’t hesitate to explore red, white, and rosé wines. Variety helps you identify what suits your taste.
- Pair with Food: Enjoy wine with meals. For example, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad, while a light Pinot Noir complements roasted chicken beautifully.
- Learn as You Sip: Take notes on what you like. Observe the flavors, aromas, and textures of each wine.
Understanding Wine Terms
When starting your wine journey, you’ll encounter various terms that might seem confusing at first. Here are some essential ones:
- Tannins: Natural compounds that create a dry, sometimes bitter sensation in your mouth
- Body: The weight and fullness of wine in your mouth (light, medium, or full)
- Acidity: The fresh, tart sensation that makes wine refreshing
- Vintage: The year the grapes were harvested
The Art of Wine Tasting
When tasting wine, follow these simple steps to enhance your experience:
- Look: Observe the wine’s color and clarity
- Swirl: Gently swirl the glass to release aromas
- Smell: Take in the various scents
- Sip: Take a small amount and let it coat your mouth
- Savor: Notice the flavors and how they evolve
What Are Some of the Best Red Wines for Beginners?
Pinot Noir is a fantastic starting point for red wine enthusiasts. Meiomi Pinot Noir, is a crowd-pleaser and one of the best wine online options for beginners. It’s smooth, fruity, and not overly heavy, with notes of cherry, strawberry, and a hint of vanilla—making it an excellent choice for beginner’s wine enthusiasts. At under $20, it’s both approachable and affordable, making it one of the best wines for beginners.
For those who enjoy sweeter flavors, Apothic Red is a bold, velvety blend that’s rich in dark fruit flavors like blackberry and plum. With its slightly sweet finish and balanced tannins, it’s ideal for beginners seeking something indulgent yet easy to drink. Priced around $12, this is a great budget-friendly wine.
Another beginner-friendly Pinot Noir, La Crema offers bright flavors of cranberry, red cherry, and hints of baking spices. It’s versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. At $15–20, it’s an excellent choice for those exploring red wines for the first time.
What Are Some of the Best White Wines for Beginners?
Crisp, refreshing, and bursting with tropical fruit flavors, Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc is a beginner’s dream. It’s perfect for sipping on a sunny afternoon or pairing with seafood. Priced at around $14, it’s a great value for a wine of its caliber.
This Chardonnay is a classic introduction to white wine. It’s creamy and buttery with flavors of ripe pear, apple, and vanilla. Its approachable price point of $13–15 makes it a fantastic choice for new wine enthusiasts.
If you’re looking for something light, Beringer Napa Valley Chardonnay is a popular pick. This white wine has hints of apple and melon, making it perfect for those new to wine tasting. Priced under $10, it’s a steal for beginners.
Affordable Options for Budget-Conscious Beginner Wine Drinkers
Exploring wine doesn’t have to break the bank. Bottle Barn offers a variety of wines under $20 that are perfect for beginners looking for wine under budget. It’s also a great place to select your wine with confidence. For instance:
- Joel Gott Cabernet Sauvignon: A robust red with blackberry and coffee notes, priced at just $10.
- Barefoot Pink Moscato: Sweet, fruity, and under $9, it’s a delightful option for those with a sweet tooth.
- Cupcake Light Hearted Chardonnay: A refreshing, fruit-forward rosé at around $10.
A Few Final Tips for Beginner Wine Enthusiasts
- Use the Right Glassware: While it’s not essential, drinking wine from proper wine glasses can enhance the experience.
- Serve at the Right Temperature: Red wines are best slightly cooler than room temperature (around 60–65°F), while whites should be chilled.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help: If you’re unsure, Bottle Barn’s knowledgeable team is always ready to assist you.
Richard is owner and the chief editor of Choice Wineries. He contributes expert content relating to wine making and winery reviews.
After graduating from the DeVry Institute of Technology, he worked in IT for over 20 years before deciding to escape the office and share his passion for wine.
With a passion for the great outdoors, Richard spends a lot of time in Colorado. There he enjoys skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, cycling, hiking, and of course visiting wineries.
His outdoor adventures are not confined to the continental US. Richard is an avid traveler who flies up to 10 times a year and has visited 18 countries.
Because of his wealth of knowledge and experience, Richard has been invited to contribute articles to many websites, such as Florida Rambler, and has been profiled on travel websites such as JohnnyJet.