Geoffrey Byruch explores a few basic tips for new wine drinkers.

1. GeoffreyByruch | GeoffreyByruch.org
WINE BASICS: WHAT
SHOULD YOU KNOW?

2. Most people understand wine is made from grapes,
but these grapes are not the same ones you will find in
your local grocery story.
Wine is made from grapes that are much smaller and
have much tougher skins. These grapes also contain
seeds and are sweeter than regular grapes.
WHAT IS WINE MADE OF?

3. Wine's freshness is heavily dependent on how an
already opened bottle is stored. Table wines
usually last anywhere from 3-5 days depending on
the type of wine, whereas fortified wines can last
up to a month.
HOW LONG DOES
WINE LAST?

4. WHAT ARE THE
COMMON TYPES OF
WINE?
Although there are around 9 styles of wine, there are
around 8 common types of wine, including whites and
reds. The whites consisting of Reisling, Pinot Grigio,
Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. While Pinot Noir,
Zinfandel, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon round out the
reds. Each one created with a different taste preference
in mind.

5. DOES GLASS SHAPE
MATTER?
SURPRISINGLY ENOUGH, THE SHAPE OF THE WINE
GLASS YOU USE DEPENDS ON YOUR OWN SMELL AND
THE PARTICULAR WINE YOU ARE DRINKING. FOR
EXAMPLE, WHITE WINE GLASSES ARE USUALLY
SMALLER,
BOWL-SHAPED GLASSES THAT PRESERVE COOLER
TEMPERATURES AND SAVOR FLORAL AROMAS. RED
WINE IS BEST TASTED IN A GLASS CONTAINING A
WIDER OPENING THAT CREATES A SMOOTHER TASTE.