Wine tasting 101

The basics of wine tasting

Wine tasting is an art that involves more than just sipping and swallowing; it's about engaging all your senses to experience the full depth and complexity of the wine. Here's a step-by-step introduction to get you started.

1. Look

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• Colour and Clarity: Pour a small amount of wine into a clear glass. Tilt the glass and observe the colour at the edge of the wine. Younger wines are usually lighter and brighter, while older wines tend to have deeper, richer hues. The clarity of the wine can also indicate its quality and condition.

• Swirl: Gently swirl the wine in your glass. This helps release the wine's aromas and gives you a chance to observe its 'legs' or 'tears' (the droplets that form on the inside of the glass). Legs can indicate the wine's alcohol content and viscosity.

2. Smell

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• Initial Sniff: Bring the glass to your nose and take a quick, initial sniff. This first impression can give you a sense of the wine's primary aromas.

• Deep Sniff: Swirl the wine again and take a deeper sniff. Try to identify different scents such as fruits, flowers, spices, herbs, and earthy or woody notes. The aromas can tell you a lot about the grape variety, region, and ageing process.

3. Taste

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• Sip and Hold: Take a small sip and let the wine spread across your palate. Notice the initial flavours and sensations.

• Aerate: Slightly open your mouth and draw in some air while the wine is still in your mouth. This enhances the wine's flavours and aromas.

• Evaluate: Pay attention to the wine's taste (sweet, sour, bitter, or salty), its body (light, medium, or full), and its texture (smooth, rough, oily, or creamy). Note the balance between acidity, tannins, and alcohol.

• Finish: Observe the aftertaste or finish. A long, pleasant finish is often a sign of a good-quality wine.

4. Reflect

Think about your overall impression of the wine. Did you enjoy it? What specific characteristics stood out to you? Keep a journal or take notes to help you remember and compare different wines.

Tips for enhancing your wine tasting experience

• Choose the Right Glass: Use a clear, stemmed glass to appreciate the wine's colour and to avoid warming it with your hand.

• Mind the Temperature: Serve wines at their ideal temperatures—typically, white wines chilled and red wines slightly below room temperature.

• Cleanse Your Palate: Have some water or plain crackers on hand to cleanse your palate between tastings.

• Take Your Time: Wine tasting is not about rushing. Take your time to savour and enjoy each sip.

• Experiment: Try different wines from various regions, grape varieties, and vintages to broaden your palate and deepen your appreciation.

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