When it comes to defining what the best-tasting wine is, we often run into problems. After all, taste is a very subjective and personal thing. Some people find great pleasure in a buttery chardonnay, whereas other with find it revolting. Then there is the context of where and when you are drinking the wine. A full-bodied Merlot tastes beautifully with a seared medium rare filet minion but would be a disaster when eating poached Salmon.
The best advice we have for deciding what wine to try or to give as a gift is to understand the types of wine that are commonly found in stores. This education on the flavour profiles will allow you to navigate the mysterious world of the aggressive flavours of a Cabernet Franc to the subtle hints of pomaceous fruits found in a Pinot Grigio.
Below, we are going to take a look at just a snapshot of the types of wine that you can experiment with, explore, and learn about your palette. Here are the 8 best tasting wine options in the world:
1. Cabernet Sauvignon
Many would say the Cabernet Sauvignon is possibly the best tasting wine in the world. This stylish red wine will often be full-bodied and taste of black cherries, currants and cedar. This is a type of wine that you will have almost certainly have heard of. It is one of the most popular in the world. The tannins of Cabernet Sauvignon are notoriously bold giving a strong finish to the flavour profile.
This is a great wine to pair with beef, lamb and other red meats. Mature cheddar and hard cheeses with strong flavours are also a good choice to plate when Cabernet Sauvignon is served.
2. Merlot
Red and fruity with a medium body, Merlot is another favourite across the world. You will find hints of plums, tobacco, black pepper and blueberries in a Merlot. This wine will pair very well with red meats and firm cheeses.
3. Zinfandel
Another red wine that is medium to full-bodied. You will find that this wine is bold and a lot of fun. The fruity flavours are both daring and exotic. Nectarines, raspberries, blueberries and 5 spice will be welcome flavours to someone looking to shake things up on their wine tasting journey.
When it comes to pairing food with a Zinfandel there are the staple red meats to enjoy such as beef and lamb. It also pairs beautifully with pork and chicken. A Zinfandel is also a great choice to enjoy some Thai or Indian food.
A great alternative to Zinfandel is Tempranillo. This is a Spanish wine and a personal favourite. Savoury cherry notes make this hidden gem well worth exploring.
4. Pinot Noir
Cherry and cranberry are the dominant flavours in many bottles of Pinot Noir. There is often a floral note to this red wine, with many more complex flavours just under the surface waiting to be identified and appreciated.
This is a red wine that is light in body and dry. Pinot Noir typically will have a smooth finish. A great food pairing for this wine is veal, duck, or any cured meat.
5. Chardonnay
Now to take a look at some of the white wines to explore. A Chardonnay is a divisive wine. Some love it, some hate it. You will find hints of lemon and yellow fruits such as apples and pears. Notes of vanilla and caramel are also common.
This is a medium to full-bodied white wine that tastes beautifully with shrimp, crab and lobster. Soft cheeses such as brie and camembert are the perfect compliment to this wine.
6. Sauvignon Blanc
Often described as wonderfully citrus and exotic, this white wine is a staple for anyone looking to enjoy a nice cold glass of white wine in the summer. As French wines go, Sauvignon Blanc is delightfully tart. If you are sitting down to enjoy a nice white fish meal then this is the wine for you. Sauvignon Blanc also tastes great with Vietnamese cooking.
7. Pinot Grigio
This white wine is a favourite the world over, and it’s one of the best selling white wines that everybody buys. It is a light bodied and floral wine planted in France and Germany. This is an easy drinking wine for when you are taking a break from it all at the end of a hard day’s work.
The flavour profile of this wine makes it uniquely suited to pairing with bitter tasting foods. Salad with a balsamic vinegar dressing can be a joy when drinking Pinot Grigio. If you are making your first foray into white wines then this one is a great place to start. It also makes for a good gift if you are unsure of the type of wine that the recipient enjoys.
8. Riesling
Fruity and floral, this wine has a lot of stone fruits such as peaches and nectarine. The off-dry style of this wine makes it perfect for pairing with turkey and pork. You should also try a bottle of this with Indian, and Vietnamese cuisine
