If you have ever stood looking bewildered in front of a shelf of wine, then understanding these three things you need to know about to choose a good wine is particularly relevant. Wine can be confusing, but it can also be downright delicious. For this reason, it is worthwhile learning about which wine goes with what food and the best way to select a good drop.

Three things you need to know about to choose a good wine

Only three, you might say? Well, the subject of wine can bamboozle the best of us, so I have attempted to narrow it down to just three things. Once you have these under your belt, you can continue to taste test your way to the level of a wine expert. Remember, everyone has to start somewhere, and one day, you too will be choosing wine for far more than the lovely label!

1. Partner your wine with your food

When in doubt, always try to pair your wine with your food. While the art of partnering food with wine can get very complex, understanding the basics will hold you in good stead. For starters, remember that seafood, vegetables and chicken work well with a lovely crisp white wine while red meats and even some cheese go better with a rich red. Sparkling wine is a good all-rounder and can get you out of many tricky situations.

Now let’s break it down a bit further. Try a Chardonnay with chicken or a Pinot Grigio with fish. Merlot can pair well with beef while a Pinot Noir can complement lamb. Opt for a Shiraz with your cheese, and finish with a sweet wine to match your dessert. Remember these basics and you can’t go wrong.

2. Get up to speed with your wine terminology

Understanding the world of wine is like learning a whole new language. But once you understand, you will have an easier time choosing a bottle. The language of wine focuses on descriptive words for the main part. Deciphering these words will make your selection so much less complicated.

Now you need to pick the words which appeal to you the most. Words such as soft, round, crisp, refreshing, oaky and fruity get thrown around a lot. Read the labels carefully and choose which ones sound particularly appealing. Sometimes it can be a case of trial and error.

3. Good wine is not always expensive

You may find this last point surprising, but it is true in a lot of cases. Price is often not indicative of quality. There are some wines at a low price which are outstanding. Likewise, there are many wines out there selling for over $50 a bottle that you wouldn’t even pass on to your worst enemy.

​If you have a particular budget in mind, then don’t be afraid to ask for advice. You may end up finding a great bottle at a $30 price point without having to spend at least double that for the quality. Recommendations can be especially useful before you spend $90 on a bottle that won’t pair with any food on your table. Again practice makes perfect when it comes to taste testing, so if you get the chance, definitely try before you buy.