| By :
Mark Etinger
Wine, the drink of the gods. If you want to enjoy life more, drink more wine. Yes, it's that easy. Ah, but what wines, you ask? Well it is most impressive if you have many wines. There are some things to consider before you decide what to buy. 1. Where? Your wine must be kept cool. If you have a basement or cellar with a relatively stable temperature and low moisture, that is good. If your basement or countertop is subject to temperature and moisture fluctuations, you might be better off purchasing a wine cooler. Red wines can be stored at room temperature, but white wines must be chilled. 2. Budget: You don't want to begin your collection with a box of the best wine; you'll run through it in a year and spend a fortune. Instead, choose a variety of $12 bottles for everyday drinking, a bunch of $20 bottles for company, and some more expensive vintages for special occasions and holidays. 3. Expand: Once you have a comfortable collection of red wines and white wines, you can try some more precious red wines. Red wines from an unfamiliar region or year may surprise you. And don't just stock your shelves with the same kind of grape - it's important to diversify. If you like red wines, have a wide selection of fruitier and drier wines, so as to please a variety of tastes and accompaniment dishes. 4. Go International: And don't just choose pinot noir from France - countries like Argentina that are renowned for a specific wine like malbec also produce fine red wines, such as pinots, that you haven't heard of. If you're buying online wines from abroad keep tabs on the exportation of alcohol from that country. Foreign bureaucracies can be a major headache. 5. Stay local: Your local vineyards may be producing some beauties as well. Go wine tasting for a weekend and enjoy the scenery, the process, and of course, bring home a case or two. Sometimes these red wines or white wines are only available at the winery. 6. Giving and Receiving: If you are entertaining, it is a good idea to pair your wine with the meal in advance. Typically, if giving a wine, red wines are better; don't bring white wines chilled, it may appear to the host that you want them to serve it with dinner. Oenophiles, like many connoisseurs, can be snobby in their preferences. Don't let this be you. Always be willing to teach and discuss wine with those less fortunate than you, who may not yet have their own wine cellars yet. If you are just beginning your wine career, you don't have to drink expensive wine to be able to distinguish good wine from bad. Pay close attention to the finish of red wines and white wines, as well as their diverse flavors and tastes. Over time you will learn the language and be able to distinguish between the finest and the fine.
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