Colloquial term (also initial wine, introductory wine, starting wine) for a wine that is served at the beginning of a multi-course meal as an "introduction". Preferably, these are fresh, young white wines or sparkling wines(Sekt) of simple character with a lighter alcohol content. As the meal progresses, the quality is usually increased, although this also depends on the course of the meal. The appropriate wine as the crowning conclusion at the end is called the final wine. For suitable alcoholic drinks "before the meal" see under Aperitif and "after the meal" under Digestif. On this topic, see also wine enjoyment and wine with food.
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Dr. Christa Hanten
Fachjournalistin, Lektorin und Verkosterin, Wien