The best purchase is one tailored to how it will be consumed. Consider these pairing and storage guidelines:

: Be transparent about what you want to spend; this helps merchants point you toward the "sweet spot" of their inventory.

: A specific year can only be listed if at least 95% of the grapes were harvested then.

: If buying for a restaurant visit, check their corkage fee policy beforehand, as many establishments allow you to bring your own bottle for a set service fee. Essential Tasting Vocabulary

When shopping, experts from Decanter and Bon Appétit suggest using these tactics to navigate shelves effectively:

: Refers to the "weight" of the wine (light, medium, or full-bodied).