Wine 101: Learn About Wine
Does wine intimidate you? It shouldn’t. With a little knowledge, you can confidently enjoy wine without worrying about what you don’t know. By the time you finish reading this, you’ll be ready to embrace wine as something to savor, not stress over. And if you’re in the Philadelphia area, we’ve got you covered with several fun, beginner-friendly wine classes.
Decoding a Wine Label
- Winery Name (Producer)
- Region: Where the grapes were grown.
- Grape Varietal (if listed).
- Vintage Year: The year the grapes were harvested.
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
A key difference between Old World and New World wine labels is the inclusion of grape varietals. Old World wines (from regions like Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal) often omit the grape name, instead focusing on the region. New World wines, such as those from the U.S., Australia, and South America, usually include the varietal.
The Major Wine Grapes You Should Know
Did you know there are over 10,000 types of wine grapes? Fortunately, you only need to know ten to cover over 95% of the wines you’ll encounter:
- Riesling
- Pinot Grigio
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Chardonnay
- Sangiovese
- Pinot Noir
- Grenache
- Syrah
- Merlot
- Cabernet Sauvignon
Keep in mind that grape names are often omitted from European wine labels. Instead, wines are named after the regions where they’re produced, like Bordeaux or Chianti. Pro tip: The best way to learn about wine isn’t through books—it’s by tasting. Host a wine tasting with friends, attend a wine class, or join a wine group. Explore the world of wine firsthand!
Tricks of the Wine Trade
Want to enhance your wine experience? Here are some tricks used by sommeliers:
- Decant Red Wines: Letting the wine breathe enhances its flavors.
- Serve at the Right Temperature: Reds at 70°F, whites at 55°F.
- Pair Wisely: Wine tastes better with cheese but often clashes with fresh fruit.
- Perceived Value Matters: Studies show people enjoy wine more when they think it’s expensive.
So You Want to Be a Sommelier?
If you’re serious about wine, you might be considering sommelier certification. The three major certification programs—Wine & Spirit Education Trust, Court of Master Sommeliers, and the National Wine School—offer equivalent qualifications with different terminology. For example, “Master Sommelier,” “Master of Wine,” and “Master Diploma” all represent the same level of certification.
Curious about the path to becoming a sommelier? Explore our guide for detailed steps: How to Become a Sommelier.
Wine Ratings: What Do They Mean?
Ever wonder what makes one wine earn 84 points and another 92? Here’s the inside scoop:
- Most major wine publications use a 100-point scale.
- Ratings measure correctness (regional and varietal accuracy), not deliciousness.
- Ratings for the same wine can vary significantly between critics.
- The lowest possible score is 50, and few wines earn over 94.
- Most people prefer wines rated between 74 and 89 points.
Interestingly, over 80% of wine drinkers prefer lower-rated wines. High ratings are valuable for the wine trade, but they don’t guarantee a wine is tastier. Want more insight? Check out our in-depth article on wine ratings.
Exploring the Top Wine Regions
Now that you know the major grape varietals, let’s talk about where they thrive. While there are thousands of wine-growing regions, these are the top ten, along with their standout grapes:
- Bordeaux, France: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
- Tuscany, Italy: Sangiovese
- Rioja, Spain: Tempranillo
- Burgundy, France: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
- Piemonte, Italy: Nebbiolo
- Napa Valley, California: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah
- Rhone, France: Grenache, Syrah
- Southern Australia: Grenache, Syrah
- Mendoza, Argentina: Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon
- Mosel, Germany: Riesling
For a deeper dive, read our guide to the wine regions of the world.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re serious about elevating your wine knowledge, our Level One Wine Course is a fantastic place to start. Available online, it’s an engaging and accessible introduction to the world of wine.
Explore wine the right way—one class, sip, and discovery at a time!
Awesome everyone!! You definitely proved it…. Learning CAN be FUN!!! I’m excited to get started again. Thank you!
Cheers,
Danny