5 tips for choosing wine when you're not an expert
[summary]
If you are here, it is because you are looking for advice on choosing the best possible vintage.
Beyond the purchase, we are your passionate guides in the world of wine.
Learn to choose the right vintages, to decipher the labels, to find the vintage made for you, thanks to our expert advice. And don't forget, at Comptoir des Millésimes, price is not the only indicator of quality. We believe in accessible gems, in surprising discoveries, in emotion at your fingertips.
1. Choose the right vintages:
Although vintages are not everything, they are still important. For example, years like 2020, 2019, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2010, 2009, 2005, 2003, 2000, 1998, 1995, 1990 (and many others) are generally good quality. Remember that this depends on the region/appellation. We offer guides to the best vintages on our blog. Please feel free to contact us for recommendations.
> Choose a vintage on the site!
2. Use the ratings of the greatest tasters to help you
And yes, we often find ratings on great wines (very often the ratings are based on 100 points.) It will of course be necessary to favor the ratings of recognized critics. For example, on Comptoir des Millésimes, we offer you reference ratings on the market: James Suckling, Robert Parker and The Wine Advocate, or even The Wine Spectator.
If you don't know anything about it, this can be a factor to choose when choosing the right vintages!
3. Select the right designations and learn to read the labels
- Some mentions such as “Grand Vin” or “vieilles vignes” can be misleading. Favor mentions of “cru”; “Grand cru”; “Grand Cru Classé”; "Premier Cru"
- Also look towards renowned appellations like Châteauneuf du Pape, Côte Rôtie, Chablis, Chassagne Montrachet; or Pessac Léognan, Pauillac, Margaux and many others.
- Don't forget that each region has nuggets! We can advise you on the beautiful appellations and bottles available.
[carousel products="16138,16957,14014,14016,16942,16141,15524 " title="We recommend these vintages"][/carousel]
4. Have a budget: Yes / Focus on price: No
Very often, the price of a wine is linked to its quality, but there are so many exceptions to this rule that you should not rely on them too much! Wines intended for quick consumption are generally less expensive than wines for aging, but they can be just as delicious. In addition, each region is full of gems and still little-known estates, offering wines at very attractive prices. We are available to provide you with recommendations (contact@comptoirdesmillesimes.com).
5. Identify wines for aging or quick consumption
Some wines are designed to be drunk young, while others have aging potential. If you are looking to consume quickly, opt for supple and fruity wines. For aging, look for balanced, concentrated wines with a good tannin structure. If you want an example: a great Côte Rôtie wine (in a recent vintage); or a bottle of Saint Emilion Grand Cru; are more likely to be wines for keeping than a Muscadet de Loire.
If you have any other questions or need recommendations, do not hesitate to contact us at: contact@comptoirdesmillesimes.com.
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