Developing Your Wine Tasting Skills

Wine tasting is an art that entails using your senses and recognizing the subtleties of each pour; it’s not simply about enjoying a glass of your favorite vintage. Understanding how to taste wine correctly can improve your experience and increase your enjoyment for this classic beverage, whether you’re at a wine tasting event, touring a vineyard, or just trying out new bottles at home. To taste wine like a connoisseur, follow these professional methods.

Start with the Right Glass

Different wines may call for specific glass shapes, but a universal wine glass is a great starting point. A good wine glass needs to have:

• a transparent bowl to see the color of the wine
• a tapered rim to focus on the notes
• a stem that keeps preventing the wine to get warm while supporting the glass

A universal wine glass is a fantastic place to start, while different wines may require different glass shapes.

Observe

• Color and Clarity: Hold the glass up to natural light or a white background. Examine the wine’s color, intensity, and purity. Younger red wines are more bright, whilst older wines may appear brick-toned.
• Legs (or Tears): Swirl the wine and see how it flows down the glass. Legs are frequently associated with alcohol or sugar content, but they are not always indicative of quality.

Engage Your Smell

A wine’s notes serves as a doorway to its flavors. To properly appreciate this bouquet:

• Swirl the wine gently to aerate and unleash the aromas
• Bring the glass up to your nose and take a deep sniff. Try to distinguish unique notes, such as fruity, flowery, earthy, or spicy ones
• Don’t rush—the wine’s nose often changes over time as it interacts with air

Sip and Savor

The initial sip introduces you to the wine’s flavor, texture, and structure. Take these steps:

• Take a little sip and let it coat your mouth
• Assess the flavors: Identify the primary notes and any subsidiary characteristics that emerge over time
• Feel the texture. Pay attention to tannins, body, and acidity. Is it smooth, crisp, or bold?
• Consider the finish: A high-quality wine frequently leaves a lingering, pleasant aftertaste

Keep Notes

Creating a record of your wine-tasting experiences might help you gain knowledge and recall your favorites. Keep track of details like this:

• The wine’s name, vintage, and location
• Your impressions on the scent, flavor, and finish
• Any pairings or occasions that made the wine special

Testing various food pairings can improve both the wine and the food being served.  However, don’t be scared to deviate from the norm and create combinations that suit your taste.

Wine tasting is an intimate experience and there are no right or wrong answers as to what you prefer. Approach each glass with curiosity and attention, and you’ll discover a universe of flavors, tales, and experiences. Grab a glass, take your time, and enjoy the art of wine tasting.

Text & pics: Yle Balaceanu, IBMagazine