1. Introduction
Buying wine in a UK supermarket can be a daunting task, especially if you're not familiar with the labels and terms used on wine bottles. In this article, we will guide you through the process of buying wine in a UK supermarket, focusing on red and white wines, and provide you with some useful tips to make the experience as smooth as possible.
2. Labels and Terms
When browsing the wine aisle in a UK supermarket, you will come across various labels and terms that may be unfamiliar to you. Here are some of the most common ones:
Region: Indicates where the wine comes from, such as France, Spain, or Italy.
Grape variety: Refers to the type of grape used to make the wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, or Merlot.
Vintage: Refers to the year the grapes were harvested.
ABV: Stands for alcohol by volume, which indicates the percentage of alcohol in the wine.
Dryness/sweetness: Refers to the amount of residual sugar in the wine, with dry wines having little to no sugar and sweet wines having a higher sugar content.
3. Red Wines
When buying red wine, it's important to consider the type of food you will be pairing it with. For example, full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz go well with red meats, while lighter red wines like Pinot Noir or Grenache are better suited for poultry or fish.
It's also important to look at the wine's label to get an idea of its flavor profile. If the label states that the wine is "fruity" or "jammy", it will have a sweeter taste, while wines labeled as "spicy" or "earthy" will have a more complex flavor profile.
Some popular red wines to look out for in UK supermarkets include:
Cabernet Sauvignon
Shiraz/Syrah
Merlot
Pinot Noir
Grenache
4. White Wines
When buying white wine, it's important to consider the type of cuisine you will be pairing it with. For example, crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio go well with seafood, while richer white wines like Chardonnay or Viognier are better suited for creamy pasta dishes or roasted poultry.
It's also important to look at the wine's label to get an idea of its flavor profile. If the label states that the wine is "citrusy" or "tropical", it will have a more acidic taste, while wines labeled as "buttery" or "oaky" will have a richer flavor profile due to aging in oak barrels.
Some popular white wines to look out for in UK supermarkets include:
Sauvignon Blanc
Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris
Chardonnay
Riesling
Gewürztraminer
Conclusion
Buying wine in a UK supermarket can be a fun and rewarding experience if you know what to look for. Remember to consider the type of cuisine you will be pairing your wine with, and take note of the labels and terms used to describe the wine's flavor profile. With these tips, you'll be able to find the perfect bottle of red or white wine to enjoy with your meal.
