The beginner’s guide to wine

Wine is more than just a beverage – it’s an experience that spans history, culture, and geography. For those starting out their careers in hospitality, understanding the different types of wine, how wine is made, and all the wine terms can seem overwhelming. 
 

Whether you’re new to selling wine or just looking to broaden your knowledge, this guide will help you understand the basics so you can confidently recommend products your customers will love, and ultimately drive sales for your business.

Wine is a beverage made from fermented grape juice, but the process varies slightly based on whether you’re making red, white, or sparkling wine. Here’s a simplified breakdown of how wine is made:

1. Harvesting: Wine grapes are harvested when they reach optimal ripeness.
   
   
2. Crushing: The grapes are crushed to release their juice.
   
   
3. Fermentation: Yeast is added to the juice to convert the sugars into alcohol.
   
   
4. Aging: Wine is aged in barrels or tanks to develop its flavors. Red wines typically age longer than whites.
   
   
5. Bottling: Once the wine has matured, it is bottled and sealed.

Wine can be broadly categorized into five main types: red, white, rosé, sparkling, and dessert wines.

Red wine

Red wines are made from darker grape varieties and tend to have bold, robust flavors. The color comes from fermenting the juice with the grape skins, which also imparts tannins, giving red wine its characteristic structure.

Popular red wine varieties:

• Cabernet Sauvignon: Known for its bold flavors of blackcurrant, plum, and tobacco. Often aged in oak, which adds complexity. Key regions include Napa Valley (USA) and Bordeaux (France).

• Merlot: Softer than Cabernet, with flavors of black cherry and plum. Smooth and versatile. Key regions: Bordeaux (France), Napa Valley (USA).

• Pinot Noir: A lighter red with flavors of red berries and earthy notes. Known for its elegance. Key regions: Burgundy (France), Willamette Valley (USA).

• Syrah/Shiraz: Full-bodied with blackberry, plum, and black pepper notes. Key regions: Rhône Valley (France), Barossa Valley (Australia).

   

White wine

White wines are made from either white grapes or red grapes with the skin removed before fermentation. They are typically lighter, crisp, and more refreshing than reds.

Popular white wine varieties:

• Chardonnay: A versatile grape that can produce wines ranging from crisp and fruity to rich and buttery, depending on aging methods. Key regions: Burgundy (France), Napa Valley (USA).

• Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp and refreshing, with flavors of lime, green apple, and herbs. A go-to for warm weather. Key regions: Loire Valley (France), Marlborough (New Zealand).

• Riesling: Known for its range from dry to sweet, with high acidity and flavors of peach, honey, and floral notes. Key regions: Mosel (Germany), Alsace (France).

   

Rosé wine

Rosé is made by allowing red grape skins to sit with the juice for a short period, giving it a pink hue. It's typically light and fruity, perfect for sipping on a sunny day.

Sparkling wine

Sparkling wines are carbonated, either through natural fermentation (as with Champagne and Prosecco) or by adding carbon dioxide. They are festive and often enjoyed during celebrations.

Popular sparkling wine varieties:

• Champagne: Produced in the Champagne region of France from grapes Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Meunier, it's known for its fine bubbles and flavors of toast, citrus, and almond.

• Prosecco: A lighter, fruitier alternative to Champagne, made from the Glera grape variety in the Veneto region of Italy.

   

Dessert wines

Dessert wines are sweet and usually served after a meal. They are often richer and more indulgent than other types.

Popular dessert wines:

• Port: A fortified wine from Portugal, often paired with chocolate or cheese.

• Sauternes: A French dessert wine known for its honeyed sweetness.

Getting familiar with wine terminology will help you describe and sell wines to your customers with confidence.

• Tannins: Compounds in grape skins that give wine its structure. Tannins are more prominent in red wines and can make the wine taste dry or astringent.
  
  
• Acidity: The crispness or tartness in wine. Wines with high acidity, like Sauvignon Blanc, feel refreshing, while lower-acid wines, like Chardonnay, feel richer.
  
  
• Body: The weight or fullness of the wine on your palate. Light-bodied wines (like Pinot Grigio) feel more delicate, while full-bodied wines (like Cabernet Sauvignon) feel richer and heavier.
  
  
• Finish: The lingering flavor after you swallow the wine. A long finish is often a sign of a high-quality wine.
  
  
• Dry vs. sweet: Dry wines have little to no residual sugar, while sweet wines retain more sugar from the grapes.

Learning to taste wine like a pro involves more than just sipping – it’s about paying attention to its appearance, aroma, and taste.

1. Look: Observe the color. Red wines can range from light ruby to deep purple, while white wines can be pale yellow to golden.
   
   
2. Smell: Swirl the wine in your glass and take a sniff. What aromas do you notice? Common scents include fruit, herbs, spices, and wood.
   
   
3. Taste: Take a sip and let it sit on your palate. Pay attention to the flavors and texture. Is it fruity? Spicy? Does it feel light or heavy in your mouth?

Pairing wine with food is a key skill that enhances both the dish and the drink. Here are some classic pairings you could suggest to your customers:

• Spicy foods: Off-dry wines like Riesling help balance the heat.

• Rich meats: Bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon cut through the richness of steak or lamb.

• Tomato-based dishes: High-acid wines like Chianti complement tomato sauces. 

• Desserts: Pair sweet wines like Port with equally sweet desserts.

“Understanding what you like and exploring new wines based on that can lead to a more fulfilling experience,” says Laura DePasquale, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, and a Master Sommelier.  

Wine might seem intimidating at first, but with a little knowledge, you can unlock a fascinating world of flavors, regions, and traditions. Start with a few basic types, get familiar with some key terms, and most importantly, enjoy the experience of trying — and recommending — new wines.

Reach out to your Southern Glazer’s sales consultant for more tips on broadening your knowledge of the best wines for your business.