If you are beginning your journey to discover Oklahoma wines, it can be intimidating to know which local wines to purchase. If you haven’t developed a palette for wine, the best thing to do is try various kinds and decide which you enjoy best.
Here are Oklahoma wines to buy for the first time. Keep in mind that many different brands and selections are available for each of these wines, so research accordingly.
White Wines To Try
White wines are recommended for those new to wine drinking because they tend to be lighter-bodied and easier on the palate than red wines.
1. Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio is an excellent medium-dry wine for first-time buyers because of its refreshing and crisp citrus flavors, with notes of white peach, green apple, lemon, and pear. Pinot Grigio is of medium-high acidity, making it an excellent wine to pair with fresh fish, shellfish, and fresh vegetables.
2. Sauvignon Blanc
One of the most popular grape varieties in the world, Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent choice for beginners who are looking for dry Oklahoma wines with more herbaceous flavors. Tasting notes include white peach, lime, bell pepper, jalapeño, and grass. Likewise, the taste depends on how ripe the grapes are when harvested. The riper the grape, the more peachy the Sauvignon Blanc!
Red Wines To Try
Although white wines tend to be more popular among first-time drinkers looking to buy local wines, there are several red wines that provide a great starting point for new venturers.
3. Merlot
Offering itself as one of the most popular red wines in the world, Merlot is a dry red wine with medium acidity. This boisterous red wine has cherry, plum, chocolate, bay leaf, and vanilla notes. Merlot pairs well with many foods, including chicken, turkey, and roasted vegetables, providing itself as the perfect wine to go with a warm dinner.
4. Pinot Noir
As the sibling of Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir is a light-bodied red wine that has delicious flavors such as cherry, raspberry, hibiscus, mushroom, and clove. Pinot Noir is of medium-high acidity and versatile in pairing with food because of its lower tannin levels. Some popular pairings include pizza, duck, venison, and pork tenderloin.
Sparkling Wine To Try
Sparkling wines are good for more than special occasions! If you are a lover of bubbles, Prosecco is an excellent choice to try as you discover Oklahoma wines.
5. Prosecco
Although Champagne is the most popular sparkling wine, Prosecco is rising in popularity. This bubbly choice has flavor notes of green apple, honeydew, pear, lager, and cream. Prosecco is medium-high acidity and pairs well with snack foods on a charcuterie board, such as cured meats, almonds, and fruits.
Buy Local Wines
Entering into the world of wine doesn’t have to be daunting. As the Oklahoma Grape Industry Council, our focus is educating the public about Oklahoma wines and fostering the local wine community. For more information about the Oklahoma wine industry or where to buy local wines, contact us today.