Beginner's guide to wine

When throwing a dinner party, choosing a good wine can complete the perfect meal. And choosing a bad wine can ruin it.

For beginner wine aficionados, choosing the ideal wine for an evening can be daunting. After all, the average wine consumer does not know the difference between a flinty wine and a flabby wine.

"Typically, most beginners like things that are sweet," said Gus Clark, owner of Fine Wine and Beer by Gus.

For white wines, Clark recommends starting off with a sweeter style Riesling or Moscato. Both of these wines offer the drinker a fruity flavor.

Another popular white wine for beginners is Pinot Grigio.

"Pinot Grigio are for those who like domestic beers," Clark said. "So if you like Budweiser, Miller Lite, Coors or Corona, you're probably going to like Pinot Grigio."

When it comes to red wines, Clark said it is best to look at what you are pairing it with, and, for beginners at least, recommends blended red wines.

"Red blends are probably the best way to go because they are stylized for easy drinking," Clark said.

Syrahs are fruity and enjoyable, and Pinot Noirs are usually acceptable because they are lighter than many red wines.

Most red wines are dry, Clark said.

While these wines are great for beginners or those not sure what their guests will like, Clark said it is still important to consider the food with which it is being paired.

"You can always do the yin-yang effect," Clark said. "If you have something spicy, pair it with something sweet."

However, he added this method doesn't always work. Pairing wines is a science similar to chemistry, dependent on the interactions of both proteins and lipids.

When looking to pair a wine with a specific meal, Clark said there are plenty of resources available online or in person at specialty and grocery stores.

"The reason people come here is because I can talk to you and help navigate," Clark said. "So if you have questions, go ask a professional. I save people money, and that's why I am open."