Tri-State Liquors carries a wide variety of well-established and special selection wines, hitting every price point.  Due to our sheer volume of sales, we can negotiate with our suppliers and pass on the savings to our customers. And better yet, because we are in the ‘Tax-Free’ State of Delaware, our wine prices are even lower! That gives you more options and better savings.

Wine has long been considered an ideal accompaniment to food. Originally it was thought to be safer to drink than the water.

Many of the ‘classic’ pairings are based on understanding the balance between the ‘weight’ of the food and the ‘body’ of the wine. For example, a heavier more robust wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon, should be paired with meats, red sauces, somewhat spicy foods and chocolate. While a light, fruity wine, such as Beaujolais, works well with poultry, duck or garlic based sauces. A medium bodied wine, such as a chardonnay can go well with a variety of fish, chicken and pasta dishes seasoned with herbs and poignant spices.

The old adage, “White wine with fish; Red wine with meat” is somewhat relevant today, as it rests on the premise of matching the weight of the food with the body of the wine. However, with today’s varietal wines available, there are many “heavier” white wines, such as oaky Chardonnays, that can be heavier than some of the lighter reds, such a Merlot and Pinot Noir.

At Tri-State Liquors, we are always happy to help you select a wine that will compliment your menu. Just check with one of our many helpful store clerks and they’ll be sure to find a wine variety that will compliment your meal and make for a truly memorable occasion.

Here is a brief description of the more common varieties of white wines:

Chardonnay – Fruity, lemon, melon, vanilla, and buttery. Most prominent flavor comes from oak used in the wine production process. High acidity, golden colors, and a velvety feel in the mouth

Riesling –Most likely very sweet, with intense fruit flavors. Sweet fruity flavors and aromas of flowers and fruits and much lighter than a Chardonnay

Pinot Gris (Pinot Grigio) – A crisp, light bodied simple dry white wine with flavors of fruit rinds, orange peel, and pear skins. Deep, dark colors and low acidity

Sauvignon Blanc – Dry, acidic and tart with herbal and tropical fruit flavors. Aromas include apples, melons, peppers, and smoke.

Chenin Blanc — Fruit, honey, quince, and grasses. Oily texture, high acidity, and a deep gold coloring

Here is a brief description of the more common varieties of red wines:

Cabernet Sauvignon  – Full-bodied with herbal hints or rich currant and vanilla flavors. Higher alcohol levels and strong tannins

Zinfandel – Strong flavors and aromas of berries. Zesty, ranges from medium to full-bodied and dry to off-dry. High alcohol levels and strong tannins

Shiraz — Aromas include peppers, berries, currants, and even chocolate. Some of the strongest, most distinctive flavors and aromas of any red wine

Malbec — Blackberry, cherry, plums, and chocolate flavors. Inky-black coloring, soft or high tannins, and high acidity

Merlot —Black cherry, berries, plum, chocolate, and some herbs. Light-bodied and low tannins pair nicely with lighter foods

Pinot Noir — Much lighter in color than other red wines. Aromas include roses, fruits, black cherry, berry, and currant.  High acidity and low tannins

Chianti — Aromas are strong in fruit, especially tart cherries, with floral notes.  Firm tannins and high acidity

FAQ’s

Q. How Many People Does One Standard Bottle of Wine Serve?

A. One bottle of wine will generally serve between 2-4 people.

Q. What is the difference between a red wine and a white wine?

A. Red wines get their color from the skins of red varieties of grapes. Fermented with the skins of these grapes, they tend to be heavier and more flavorful varieties. Red wines are typically more popular during cooler weather and pair well with steaks, robust pasta dishes and savory cheeses.

A. White wines are fermented from white grapes, or the juice of a skinned red grape. Being lighter than reds, white wines are more popular during warmer weather.

Q. How long does wine last once opened?

A. Wine can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks once opened, depending on the type of wine and the storage conditions.

Q. What is the difference between dry and sweet wine?

A. Dry wine has little to no residual sugar, while sweet wine has a higher level of residual sugar. This can affect the wine’s taste and alcohol content.

Q. What food pairs well with different types of wine?

A. Red wine pairs well with red meats and hearty dishes, while white wine pairs well with fish, chicken, and lighter dishes. Sparkling wine pairs well with appetizers and desserts.