We all feel like spoiling ourselves from time to time, just ask my credit card company. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a little luxury in our lives, especially after the year we’ve all had. Top shelf wines will always have a place in our homes and in our hearts; they’re like the diamonds of the wine world. Lovingly made with the grapes that went to Ivy League schools, these wine gems are perfectly suited to fancy dinner parties or private celebrations. Here are 5 important rules to remember when selecting a top shelf wine.
- Read the Label
As much as some of us won’t admit, we’re all easily distracted and influenced by the front of the label. I bought an expensive wine once purely because it came with a tiny trinket of sorts, and it tasted like cat urine…pure, unapologetic cat urine. It’s so important to read the back of the label too; more often than not this will let you know what kind of a wine ride you’re in for because it has a wealth of information on it about the contents and help you appreciate it.
- Know The Vat Charges
Every bottle of wine has a price, that price is split between the tax on the wine and the money that actually goes to the winemakers themselves. Spending more on wine usually means more money goes to the winery and not just to the taxman. There are flat VAT rates according to the type of wine, these charges will vary according to where you live so do your research beforehand. This doesn’t always mean that the most expensive wines are the best wines; it’s just something to consider before you buy, spend more – it usually pays off and you deserve it.
- Choose Your Type
There are so many different types of wines on the market, all made by different wine makers and from different regions across the globe – it can be a lot to take in. Once you get into wine drinking, you’ll soon know what type of wine you prefer and what that wine’s price range is. From fruity Cabernet Sauvignons to a full-bodied Chardonnay, the taste of the wines is directly influenced by the grape varieties they’re made of, as well as the added extra notes – like oak and spice.
- Make Use Of Technology
There are a number of wine apps out there with the sole purpose of making your wine life easier. Take advantage of these apps, they will help you select your wine and some of them even have built in stores where you can order your favourite from the comfort of your own home.
- Build A Relationship With Your Local Wine Store
Once you’ve been going in for a while, you’ll forge a useful bond with them. They’ll guide you in the right direction and, more often than not, will let you taste the great wines that they recommend before you buy them. They will also be able to point you in the right direction if you explain what wines you’ve liked before and what you need the wine for. They are the experts after all, so trust them to give you some great pointers.
