There are many varieties of high-quality made in Oklahoma wine to enjoy. If you are a wine beginner, that variety can make it challenging to decide which wines to enjoy. It helps to know some good “break-in” wines as you start to discover Oklahoma wines. Popular break-in wines include Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
If you are looking for a red wine to enjoy, Pinot Noir is an ideal starting point. This wine can be light- or medium-bodied, so it is not too bold for beginners. Pinot Noir is earthy and has bright notes of cherry and raspberry, allowing it to pair well with any meal.
Why Pinot Noir is Good for Beginners?
Pinot Noir is made of black-skinned grapes that are often challenging to grow. However, when done right, the wine’s elegance, complexity, and longevity are well worth it. As a lighter red with a lower-body, Pinot Noir has a subtle and nuanced flavor that anyone will enjoy – from beginners to established experts.
Pinot Noir Qualities
Because of its many combined qualities, Pinot Noir is always pleasant. This wine is dry with bright acidity. It is light- or medium-bodied and has a low tannin count. While it pairs well with any meal, Pinot Noir is especially recommended for chicken, pork, duck, and mushroom dishes.
Pinot Noir Flavor Profile
A variety of flavors create a beautifully balanced profile. Pinot Noir’s dominant flavors include raspberry, cranberry, cherry, and vanilla. These are paired with more subtle notes of licorice, caramel, and tobacco.
Understanding Pinot Noir Varieties
The overall taste of Pinot Noir depends on the climate where it was produced:
- Cooler climates produce delicate and light-bodied varieties.
- Warmer climates produce riper and fuller-bodied varieties.
The climate where the wine was produced also affects its alcohol by volume (or ABV):
- Varieties from cooler regions have an ABV range from 12% to 13.5%.
- Varieties from warmer regions have an ABV range from 13.5% to 15%.
Discover Oklahoma Wines for Beginners
If you would like to find more made in Oklahoma wines to enjoy, it helps to know what qualities to consider. Dry or intense wines often have an acquired taste, so you may want to start with lighter wines to gain a true appreciation of the flavors. While many qualities go into wine, knowing these four factors can help any wine beginner choose the best selection for them.
Taste
Wines come in many flavors, so it may be best to begin with less complex wines to avoid overwhelming your taste buds. Red wines often feature dark fruit, tobacco, leather, cherry, and berry flavors. White wines often feature spice, citrus, pear, and apple flavors.
Mouthfeel
A wine’s mouthfeel determines how heavy or light it feels in your mouth. Many people who are new to wine prefer varieties with a lighter mouthfeel.
Aromatics
A wine’s scent affects its flavor. To become an expert, you need to understand every part of a wine’s aroma. Even knowing the basics can help you appreciate any wine.
Sweetness
A wine’s sweetness depends on many factors, including its grape, residual sugar, and alcohol content. Wines range from sweet to dry, and most beginners prefer sweeter varieties.
Where to Enjoy Made in Oklahoma Wine
Pinot Noir is an excellent choice for beginners. Visit a vineyard or winery to sample high-quality Oklahoma Pinot Noirs. Contact us to discover Oklahoma wines.