How to distinguish between good and bad dry red wine

The quality of dry red wine can be distinguished by observing its color, aroma, taste, label, and origin.

1. Observing Color

High quality dry red wine usually presents a deep ruby red or purple red color, with a slight orange hue at the edges, and a clear and transparent body without suspended solids. The edges of aged liquor will gradually turn brick red, but the overall color remains uniform. Poor quality wine may appear cloudy, precipitated, or have a too light color, and these types of wine often have problems with oxidation or improper storage.

2. Smell the aroma

Good wine can present a rich sense of layering. At first smell, there is a mature fruit aroma such as blackcurrant and black cherry. Shaking the glass behind can release spices, vanilla or smoky notes brought by oak barrels. Poor quality liquor may emit pungent alcohol, acetic acid, or moldy odors, with a single and short-lived aroma, which is usually related to defects in the brewing process or poor storage environment.

3. Taste

High quality dry red wine has delicate and smooth tannins, balanced acidity, a long-lasting fruity or mineral texture, and a complete body structure. Poor quality liquor may have sharp and sour taste, bitterness that is difficult to dissolve, or a burning sensation in the throat due to alcohol. The taste may be bland like water or imbalanced sweetness. These problems are mainly caused by poor quality of raw materials or improper fermentation control.

4. Look at the wine label

Formal wine labels will clearly indicate the production area, grape variety, vintage, alcohol content, and producer information. Origin protection marks such as French AOC, Italian DOCG, etc. can be used as quality references. Be cautious of products with unclear labels or information, as these types of alcohol may pose risks of blending or false labeling.

5. Check the place of origin

Famous wine regions such as Bordeaux and Burgundy in France, Tuscany in Italy, etc. are more likely to produce high-quality wine due to strict regulations and traditional craftsmanship. However, some wineries in emerging production areas such as Chile and Australia also have cost-effective products, which need to be evaluated based on specific wine styles. Avoid choosing products without clear origin or three no products.

When making daily purchases, it is advisable to prioritize imported wines from legitimate channels, pay attention to whether the bottle stopper is dry or moldy, and maintain a constant temperature and avoid light during storage. After opening the bottle, the flavor of high-quality wine can last for several hours, while low-quality wine will quickly oxidize and lose its flavor. For the first attempt, you can start with typical wines from mid-range production areas, gradually cultivate your tasting ability, and avoid blindly pursuing high priced or rare wines. Pairing with red meat, cheese, and other foods can better experience the layering of the wine, and decanting before drinking can help release the aroma.