Choosing the perfect bottle of wine for a party or another occasion can be hard. Understanding not only the selection process, but how to properly store and serve wine makes all the difference. Read on below to discover all you need to learn about serving, storing and tasting wine.

Simply because a bottle of wine is more expensive than another does not mean that it is necessarily better. You don’t have to buy the most expensive bottles of wine that you find. Try wine at all different price levels. You may like something better that is less expensive than what you usually buy.

When you drink a bottle of wine, make sure that you do not throw it out, even if you have a small amount left. Wine can stay good for a long period of time and you never know when you may have a craving for that type of wine in the future.

Swirling is part of tasting wine. Make the circular motion necessary from your elbow rather than your wrist. Doing so will enable you to smell the wine, enhancing the flavor of it as well. Making the motion just using the wrist is difficult and often will not have the desired effect.

Do not limit yourself to countries that are known for exporting wines such as Spain or France. In fact, some of the best wines on the market are from Argentina or from New Zealand. You should not form your opinion of a country after tasting only a couple different wines.

If you are saving your wine after a night of drinking, make sure to cork it well. You want to avoid letting extra air into the bottle because it will completely change the taste of the wine and can cause it to go rancid. Make sure the cork fits securely, or use a wine stopper that blocks air out.

Sangrias have become popular recently. To make the perfect sangria combine your favorite red wine along with lemon and orange slices. Then, stir in 2 tablespoons of fine sugar and a shot of brandy. Pour the mixture into a wine glass and add in a small amount of lemon-lime soda, ginger ale or club soda.

Taste wines in an environment free of aromas. If you have food cooking, use candles or have other odors present when you are trying to taste a wine you will not get an accurate impression. Aromas will conflict with the taste and could leave you with a distaste for a wine you may have enjoyed otherwise.

Cooking with wine is a true delicacy. You haven’t had great steak until you’ve tried it with red wine cooked into it. Seafood goes swimmingly with white wine. Adding a little wine while cooking can really enhance the flavor of the dish you are preparing.

Keep things quiet and calm when tasting wine. Drinking in the wine means ignoring the world around you. An environment full of noise and lights can create distraction, so if you need to make a decision about a wine, find a quiet spot.

The body of a wine is a great way to pair it with a dish. The “body” of a wine refers to how substantial the wine is. It often also correlates with the alcohol content, with fuller-bodied wine containing more alcohol than a lighter wine. Heavier dishes should be paired with a full-bodied wine, as a lighter wine runs the risk of tasting watery when paired with something like a hearty steak.

There are a lot of things that contribute to the way you should store, serve and taste your wines. Ignoring this information can cause your next social gathering to be disastrous. Put this knowledge to use, and you will provide a great experience for your guests.