A Simple Introduction to Wine Tasting
Wine tasting is a true art, that in its fullest form, takes decades to master. There’s a lot more to tasting wine than just taking a sip and swallowing it. It’s a chance to appreciate how complex the wine is, how different the tastes and smells are, and how it makes you feel. This blog is meant to be a very, very simple explanation and introduction on things that the average person can do to appreciate their wine a little more. This is also aimed to help you learn, and become more educated in wine tasting as well! This is a very intricate and delicate art, so again this is just a very simple introduction!
Look
The first step in tasting wine is to observe how it looks. Look at the color and clarity of the wine by holding the glass up to the light. Check to see if the wine is cloudy or clear, and if there is any sediment at the bottom of the glass. The color can also tell you about the type of grapes, how old the wine is, and how tasty it is.
Smell
Step two is to smell the wine. Sniff deeply after gently swirling the glass to let the aromas out. Try to figure out what you can smell, like fruits, flowers, spices, oak, etc. The way a wine smells can tell you a lot about its taste, quality, and age.
Taste
It’s time to try the wine now. Take a small sip and let it roll around in your mouth. Pay attention to the different tastes and textures you get, like sweetness, acidity, tannins, or body. Pay attention to how well the wine is balanced and whether the tastes and textures go well together.
Finish
The last step is to look at how the wine lasts. This is talking about the taste that stays in your mouth after you swallow the wine. Check how long the finish lasts and how long the flavors stay on your tongue. The finish can tell you about the complexity, depth, and quality of the wine.
There are some other things to think about when tasting wine besides these four steps. For example, the temperature of the wine can change its taste and smell, so it’s important to serve wine at the right temperature. The type of glass you use can also change the taste and smell of the wine, so if you’re serious about wine tasting, you should buy good glasses.
Overall, the art of tasting wine is about being aware and in the moment. By evaluating wine with all of your senses, you can learn to appreciate and understand this wonderful drink more. Whether you’re having a glass of wine at home or going to a vineyard for a tasting, remember to take your time, savor the experience, and enjoy the journey! If this all seems too intimidating to you, we have multiple in-house sommelier’s at Boone’s and our friendly & knowledgeable team would be happy to point you in the right direction .
