4 Simple Steps for Tasting Wine
Wine can be intimidating, but it really doesn’t have to be. Here are 4 simple steps to make wine more approachable and enjoyable. (Warning: some “winespeak” ahead.)
Step 1. Sight – Look at the color of the wine as you hold it up to the light. The color offers insight into the intensity, opacity and viscosity of the wine you are tasting. (Viscous wines have higher alcohol and/or residual sugar.)
Step 2. Smell – Swirl the wine in your glass to let it breathe, then hold it up to your nose and sniff. What do you smell? Citrus? Strawberry? Blackberry? Lemongrass? Green apple? Is it Earthy? Spicy? Oaky? Smoky? Smelling the wine can also help you detect wine faults (think wet dog) that will help you avoid a bad wine.
Step 3. Taste – Take a large sip and let it coat your mouth and let the wine sit on your tongue a bit. Then take a few smaller sips. What do you taste? Was it sweet, semi-sweet, dry, bitter? Did you taste any of the flavors you smelled? Try to pick out at least 3 fruit flavors and 3 others, one at a time.
Step 4. Finish - How did the wine “finish” – the sensation it leaves in your mouth once it’s consumed? Was is smooth, tart, acidic, bitter, fruity? Did you like it? Not your thing? Keep in mind there is no shame in dumping a wine you didn’t like.
Be sure to cleanse your palate in between sips with crackers or a sip of water (or both). Tasting wine before you buy is a great way to find a wine you really enjoy and/or help you avoid one that’s really not your thing. Everyone’s palate is different, which is part of the joy of wine drinking. There truly is something for everyone. Enjoy!
(Source: Wine Folly)
