Use Wine Ratings For The Best Wine Choices

A wine rating is a numeric value that categorizes wines by different wine sellers and auctions. Although wine ratings can be based on different rating scales, all scales take into account the aroma, color, flavor, bouquet, and appearance. Typically the higher the rating, the higher the price, but watch for this as occasionally you can pick up a great wine with a great rating and a low price. I use wine ratings, in addition to my own taste in wine, to help me make my selection. I find that a lot of wine merchants will always have a few ratings posted.

There are also various publications devoted to wine and the wine connoisseur, such as, The Wine Spectator, Wine & Spirits Magazine, and The Wine Enthusiast. All three of these magazines include various wines and their ratings, information about who rated the wines, origin, food parings, price, and of course, advertisements for the various wines featured. Some of these publications are also available online.

The most respected wine rating system is The Wine Advocate, which uses a scale from 50 to 100; wines over 80 are very good, and those with a score over 90 are excellent. If California wines are in your liking, you may consider checking out the Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine, which rates wines on a scale from 70 to 100. A wine rated from 80 to 86 is considered good, and above 86 is spectacular. Remember that wine ratings are also dependant on personal taste preferences. Beware of any wine that is rated below 80, it could just be "sour grapes"! Other rating systems are also available for wines from specific countries, such as, Greece, Italy, Australia, and France, just to name a few.

You Be the Wine Connoisseur

If you want to perform your own taste ratings, then here are a few tasting tips to remember:

• When tasting a wine, you should always start with a clean palate, otherwise your tasting experience will not be optimal.
• A clean, fresh wine glass should be used and the wine should be served at the correct temperature.
• Always hold the glass at the stem so that the body heat from your hand does not warm the wine, which will influence your end result.
• Note the appearance of the wine.
• Release the aroma of the wine by swirling the glass, close your eyes and use your imagination to identify the fruits and other scents that the wine is releasing.
• Lastly, take a sip of the wine and let it sit on your tongue before swallowing. Notice what you like or dislike about the wine's flavor and texture.

Like individuals, each wine stands alone and has unique qualities. You may not have the same wine preferences as the person beside you, that's what makes it fun! Compare notes and keep a list of the winners and those that didn't impress you. You will become your own wine expert and build an impressive selection to accompany all social occasions! Cheers!