France is proud of its specialties, and without doubt, they are not to be missed as they are everywhere. Moving to one of the major wine-making countries in the world is probably the best motivation to get to know wine which is a staple there. However, despite its growing popularity, many people don’t feel confident about going beyond casual drinking with friends on weekends. And even when they do, they often have a false impression they don’t belong with other wine lovers. If you are ready to take your wine experience to the next level and don’t know where to start, here are some useful tips for beginners.
Trust your taste buds
There are many rules about drinking wine, but none of them is as important as trusting your taste. And yet many people starting their wine journey feel embarrassed about expressing their opinions, fearing they will sound silly to those with more experience in wine tasting. Of course, knowledge is always indispensable, but it will never replace senses in doing their job, and here are the reasons why.
First of all, you drink wine for yourself, not for other people. If you think you should conform to somebody’s preferences, you are not interested in wine but in making an impression. And this path will most likely lead you to become an obnoxious snob, not a wine connoisseur. It can be the worst, cheapest fine from a supermarket, as long as you like it. Undoubtedly, it won’t be listed in prestigious wine guides, and rightfully so, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t drink it. Ofttimes, wine can feel extraordinary because of the right atmosphere, and the next time you try it, it might taste not that special at all. And the most important thing? Tastes evolve, and the more you try, the more it will change. Everyone in the industry had to develop their palates in this way. There is absolutely no reason to be afraid of drinking wines considered not sophisticated enough. Furthermore, being a non-professional gives you that special privilege of not having to look up to anybody.
Second, there is no such thing as objective taste. If it existed, there would be no need for sommeliers. It’s a strictly personal matter that varies depending on a person. You will still disagree with some recommendations from professionals, even if you reach the point of being a wine aficionado, and it won’t mean anybody is wrong. Some people love sushi, while others find it disgusting, but it doesn’t mean the dish is good or bad. When it comes to food, nobody feels bad about saying they like or dislike something. Maybe because we all have to eat, but given our judgments regarding drinks are issued by the same taste buds, this rule should also apply to wine.
Don’t fall for labels
At first, the world of wine might not appear very welcoming since the industry has gained the status of being luxurious. Wine-related events are, more often than not, elegant, which means they tend to attract a lot of snobs. Such settings are likely to evoke exaggerated grandeur, and it’s easy to feel intimidated, inferior, and out of place. Despite all this splendor, you should never fall for this sense of fake hierarchy. Sommeliers, enologists, and other professionals might seem gods in the industry, but it’s not true. When they work with people, their job is to guide people willing to know more about wine. And when they don’t, it’s not very likely you will ever meet them. In the beginning, it’s not strange to be anxious during wine tastings as there are always people with more experience. You don’t need to have all the answers, so don’t be ashamed to ask or make mistakes. There are no stupid questions, only bad reactions. A skilled professional always makes sure nobody is left behind, and arrogant smirks and nasty remarks are poor manners and deserve nothing more than pity.
It’s also good to be mindful that luxury is not a good compass while looking for fascinating discoveries. Expensive or vintage wine doesn’t necessarily have to be the best one you’ve ever tasted. Many leads taken from respected wine guides will turn out to be false. For example, many people find champagne overrated and prefer other wines. It’s also common to find a cheap wine that will make your taste buds explode. An inconspicuous bottle can contain a memorable taste, while something more eye-catching will not invoke any sensation. It’s good to step outside of well-known tracks. And even if it’s feasible and often recommended to age wine, there are also recommended limits of how long wine should be stored. Bottles older than your parents are for people who brag, not those who actually want to open them. A vintage such as 1965 might look impressive, but its taste probably won’t be that special. Nonetheless, when nothing is certain, everything is possible, so don’t let this elusiveness discourage you. Remember that aside from general wine knowledge, there are no dogmas.
Make it an adventure
Wine is, above all, about pleasure as well as fun. And as long as you don’t decide to become a professional, it’s not a competition or exam. Instead of focusing on things you don’t know yet, think of your wine journey as if it was an adventure. Dare to try new things and make mistakes, and don’t feel frustrated if you struggle to find the right aromas and flavors. The best method to get familiar with tasting wine is to treat it like a game. A little bit of guidance is necessary, but it’s curiosity that does wonders. And there are helpful charts and graphics you can play with when organizing home tastings.
There are also many other things you can do to fuel your interest. Buy a notebook where you can jot down notes about wines you try. Draw maps of wine regions. Start a blog or an Instagram account to share new information you learn. Go for a walk to discover new caves or wine bars in the city (which in Paris is really easy without even looking at a map). Look for wine-related events. Maybe there is a fair or wine-tasting coming up? Organize your wine tasting soirées for your friends and be their sommelier for the night. You don’t need to be a professional to do that, and there is no better way to memorize. Wine is made to be enjoyed and not treated like a school subject. There are too many wines to try. It’s impossible to know everything in this department. The theory will never replace practice. Knowledge is merely a tool to navigate, and the best you can have is the one you feel, gained by your own experience. So you might have some fun at least.
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