After love, it's the next four-letter word that leaves us nervy. Daunting terms like "terroir" haven't helped either. So, here's a straightforward guide to wine, with answers to questions like "What's the best wine to pair with Goan Fish Curry?"

Feel you are ready to graduate from the pint of beer to a more adult option, but not ready for the single malt just yet? It could be time to get acquainted with a bottle of fine wine. But if you don't know terroir (a group of vineyards or even vines from the same region, belonging to a specific appellation, and sharing the same type of soil and weather conditions) from terror, getting started could be a daunting task. "A Rose, which is an easy wine to drink, could be a good place to start for a wine virgin," says Paul Bailey, Chief Wine Maker, Vallee De Vin (producers of the homegrownu00a0 brand, Zampa). "It's a wine made of red berry fruits and is just 12.5% alcoholic, which makes it an all-day wine," he says.

Taking the word of a credible wine writer would be ideal, says Bailey, adding that the most common mistake novices in India make is to opt for an imported wine rather give a wine made in India, a chance. "There are some imported wines I wouldn't even clean my drains with," he laughs. "And then there are some absolutely incredible wines that come out of this country. It's not about whether a wine is imported, it's about do you like it or not."



Bailey suggests that first-timers could also try any sparkling wine, which tends to be lighter. But do keep these three thumb rules in mind before you sip:

>>Always drink wine at the correct temperature, somewhere between 15u00baC and 18u00baC.
>>Make sure you drink the wine in a wine glass. It's not just about presentation, but also about being able to see the colour of the wine clearly.
>>Take in the aroma before you sip.
>>For women, 2 glasses are ideal. For a man, 4 glasses at a time are enough.