Purchase an award-winning range of wines, spirits and champagne from an award-winning wine merchant. There are many regular savings to be made at Oddbins online, from your high street off-license. You can define your choice with their easy to selection menu for your ideal case of plonk. Simply choose which type, country, region, vintage and/or price you desire and Oddbins will recommend all those within your requirements.

If your new to wine, "Oddbins remains at the cutting edge of wine retail, sticking firmly to its philosophy of making wine fun and accessible to non-experts" Their useful wine guide makes this so. You don't need to be an expert to enjoy wine, you can get involved as much or as little as you like. However, understanding the basics will boost your confidence and enhance your pleasure. Oddbins recognises that for newcomers learning the ropes can be confusing or even embarrassing when it should be exciting!

Get to grapes with it

Definition ­Wine is nothing more than the juice of fermented grapes. Simple!

Red and White ­ All grape juice is white. The colour and consistency of red wine (and rosé) results from the skins and stalks being pressed along with the flesh or 'pulp' of the grapes.

Origin ­ Although generalisations are fraught with danger, Old World wine from vine growing veterans; France, Germany, Italy and Spain is known for its elegance and refinement. New World wine, from relatively recent entrants like Australia and Chile is characterised by full-on, fruity styles produced using modern technology.

Price ­ Generally, if you spend more you will experience greater depth and complexity of flavour and a longer finish; overall, a more interesting drink. Price is also dependent on reputation and where in the world production takes place.

Flavour ­ The flavour of wine is influenced by a number of factors including: the grape variety, the climate, the soil type, maturity, use of oak casks and the skill of the winemaker.

Grapes ­ Many different varieties of grapes are used to make wine, either singularly or as a blend. Each variety has unique taste and cultivation requirements.

Maturity ­ Ageing in cask or in bottle can add subtlety and complexity to the flavour of wine. Not all wine requires ageing; many, particularly inexpensive wines, are ready to drink straight away.

Vintage ­ A wine vintage merely relates to the year the grapes were harvested, it does not necessarily denote superiority. The quality of a vintage, which is important for fine wine, is chiefly determined by the weather and therefore the harvest.

Tasting ­ There is no right or wrong answer as to what a wine tastes like, as you will find if you involve some friends. Fundamentally, it's just a case of closing your eyes and thinking about what it reminds you of.

Food and Wine ­ White wine for white meat, red wine for red meat is not a bad guide, but that shouldn't stop you experimenting. Always consider not just the main component of the dish but also the sauces or accompaniments that are being served. For example roast turkey served with rich stuffing will require an adaptable wine to balance out the meal, a light red would be ideal.

Your preferences ­ Fortunately, the only way to find out what appeals to you is to experiment! Oddbins tasting kits have been put together to emphasise the differences between styles and comes complete with recommendations for you to follow up with.

Www.oddbins.com - A high quality range of wines, champagnes, spirits, cases and gifts.

Laithwaites Online - Buy Wine from Decanter Magazines wine Merchant of the Year 2007.

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