Wine tasting is sure to spellbind anyone who appreciates the complex beauty found in a glass of fine wine. An art in itself, it engages various sensory aspects like sight, smell, and taste. However, as simple as it may seem, wine tasting engages a protocol that not only ranks the wine but also distinguishes between a wide array of flavors, shades, and fragrances hidden within the wine. This article is a beginner’s guide to help navigate the intricate world of wine tasting.
Understanding the Essence of Wine Tasting
Many people equate wine tasting with wine drinking. While they may appear identical to the untrained eye, a stark contrast lies in their purpose. Wine tasting isn’t solely about enjoyment, but more importantly, about evaluation. Wine tasters strive to identify the myriad components, aspects, and depth of a wine. This involves deciphering the wine’s various attributes, such as its texture, aroma, flavor, and color.
The Art of Wine Tasting: A 5-Step Guide
Look
The evaluation process begins from the moment the wine is poured into a glass. The first step is to understand the wine visually. Look out for clarity, opacity, and color. These elements can divulge the wine’s age, type, and health. The color of a white wine deepens as it ages, whereas red wines tends to lighten with time. Tilt the glass against a white background and observe the variation in color from the core to the edges.
Swirl
Swirling helps to aerate the wine, translating into a more pronounced aroma. Swirl the glass for about 10-20 seconds and allow the wine to oxidize. Oxidation helps unlock the wine’s full array of scents.
Smell
Next, take a full whiff to take in the aromas that have been activated through swirling. The smell can hint at the wine’s character and quality. It is not unusual to sense a range of scents, given that a bottle of wine can produce hundreds of different aromas. Fruits, flowers, herbs, spices, and even more complex smells like tobacco, earth, or smoke could be detected.
Sip
Take a small sip and roll it around your mouth to expose it to all your taste buds. Try to distinguish the flavors now that the wine is in your mouth after assessing the aroma. Note the wine’s body or its weight in your mouth. Remember, wine should always be swallowed slowly, as many flavors can only be perceived at the back of the tongue and throat.
Savor
The final step is to contemplate the aftertaste, or the ‘finish’. A quality wine will have a lingering aftertaste that lasts several seconds after you swallow. A quick finish could imply a lower quality wine.
Learning to Taste Wine Takes Time
Like any other art, wine tasting requires patience and practice. Do not be disheartened if you cannot discern every nuance in your initial attempts. The beautiful thing about wine tasting is that your palate becomes refined and experienced over time, allowing you to enjoy and appreciate it even more.
Wine Tasting Etiquette
When attending a wine tasting event, it’s fundamental to respect the sanctity of the process. Spit out the wine if you’re tasting several wines at an event – it helps you preserve your palate and maintain clarity of mind. Additionally, avoid wearing heavy perfume or cologne as it can interfere with your sense of smell as well as those around you.
Conclusion
Wine tasting is an art form that extends beyond mere consumption. It is an enriching and rewarding experience that opens up a universe of aromas, flavors, and sensations. Like any skill, it may seem daunting at first but taking the time to understand and engage in the process can transform the way you appreciate and enjoy wine.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I do if I don’t like the taste of the wine?
You’re not expected to like every wine you taste. If you don’t enjoy a wine, simply spit it out.
2. Is it OK to ask questions during a wine tasting?
Absolutely! It’s encouraged to ask questions and engage in dialogue. There’s always something to learn in the art of wine tasting.
3. How many wines should I taste in a session?
Taste is personal, but as a general rule, limiting to five or six wines per session can help avoid palate fatigue.
