Choosing a good wine in 5 steps

Choosing a good wine is something you learn. Because it takes experience to choose the right bottle, here are 5 steps that should guide your decision.

 

 Set a budget

 

Before spending a fortune blindly, set yourself a reasonable price range so you can focus on the options that match your budget.

 

Remember one thing: price does not justify success!

 

Reading the labels

 

From grape varieties to vintage and the terroir of origin, wine bottles feature various indications. Among these, some deserve more consideration than others. For example, the mention "Grand Crus classés" attests to the quality of the wine, whereas the mention "vieilles vignes" is not subject to any particular regulation.

 Consider the geographical origin

 

Grape varieties are generally grouped by zone, each identified by appellations. In other words: each wine-growing region has its own type of wine. The more you learn about French vignobles, the better you can target your ideal type of wine.

 

 Opt for the right food and wine pairings

 

In gastronomy, the choice of wine is paramount. While everything comes down to taste, there are nonetheless some unmissable pairings that bring out the aromas, from glass to plate. Such as red wine with red meat, and white wine with fish.

 Consult a wine expert

 

What could be better than a specialist to help you choose a good wine? From the wine merchant to the sommelier, the wine expert is best placed to recommend the wine that will most closely match your expectations — from a simple piece of advice to a tasting.