Which wine is best for beginners?

Some of the most common questions that arise when venturing into the world of wine are “Which wine is best for beginners?” or “Should I go for a red or white wine?” The best way to discover what types of wines you prefer is simply by trying new wines and taking note of your experiences with each one. Initially, you may not appreciate dry wines, for example, but over time, your taste may evolve, and you may acquire a liking for them.

Now that you’ve decided to embark on this oenological adventure and explore the types of wines you enjoy, we can recommend some starting points. It’s best to begin with easy-to-drink wines that can be enjoyed on their own, without food.

There are five main wine classifications: rosé, white, red, sparkling and dessert wine. Each category includes a wide variety of wines, which can be overwhelming for beginners.

Generally, wines with fruity flavours rather than earthy notes are easier to enjoy because they are well-balanced. They have moderate acidity, mild tannins and a lighter body, making them more suitable for beginners. For instance, you can try a rosé like Coto Mayor Rosado, predominantly made from Grenache and Tempranillo grapes. It’s fresh, intense and indulgent, yet easy to drink and enjoy for those new to the world of wine.

White wines offer a range of options, from light-bodied to full-bodied, with a wide array of flavours and levels of sweetness. They typically have a lower alcohol content compared to red wines and a lighter, fresher taste.

For beginners, we recommend Coto Mayor Blanco, made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape variety, or El Coto Blanco, prepared with a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Viura and Verdejo grapes. These wines are fresh with fruity and citrus aromas, and pair well with fish and rice dishes.

A medium-bodied red wine can be a good option for beginners. Apart from body, red wines have varying levels of acidity. They are generally dry, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be fruity and pleasant to the palate.

Red wines suitable for beginners tend to have low tannin levels, easily identifiable fruity flavours and moderate acidity. One good example would be our 875 m red wine, made from the Tempranillo grape variety. It’s intense yet refreshing, with good acidity and aromas of cherry, red berries, mocha and cocoa.

1. Ask questions

 Whether you’re at a restaurant or a wine shop, don’t hesitate to ask the staff for guidance. Inquire about the wine’s origin, the grapes used and the vinification techniques employed. There are no foolish questions, and you might even learn about the winemaker or the winery’s history.

2. Try something new

If you come across an unfamiliar wine on a restaurant menu that catches your attention, go ahead and order it. However, before doing so, discuss your wine preferences with the waiter. They will provide recommendations and help you find a wine that suits your taste from the menu. Did you enjoy the wine? Pay attention to its flavours, aromas and the reasons why you liked it. And don’t forget the next step…

3. Take notes

This is an important step that should not be overlooked. When you’re starting out in the world of wine, it can be challenging to remember which wines you’ve tried and where. “What was the name of that white wine I had at that restaurant a few weeks ago…?”

Mobile phones make things easier than ever. Create a new page in your Notes app to jot down your opinions and take photos of the wine bottles you’ve enjoyed, as well as those you didn’t like as much.

4. Attend wine tastings

 While the ultimate experience is to travel to wine regions, visit vineyards and enjoy guided tours, you can also indulge in the pleasure of wine through tastings.

There are likely regular wine tastings held in your city or nearby. Don’t hesitate to sign up; you don’t need to be an expert to attend. Wine tastings are a great opportunity to acquaint yourself with your palate and gradually develop the skills and vocabulary that will help you discover new wines.

5. Discover different wine regions

 If you enjoy a particular grape variety from one region, don’t miss the chance to try it from a different region. Climate, soil, winemaking practices and other factors contribute to the unique flavours of grapes grown in different regions.

Exploring the same grape varieties from different wine regions can help you understand how these factors influence the wine.