Tasting Wine 101
Tasting wine can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, but for beginners, it can also be intimidating. If you’re new to tasting wine, here are some tips to help you get started.
Don’t miss our guide to white wine for beginners
How to properly taste wine?
First, it’s important to note that there is no right or wrong way to taste wine. The goal is simply to explore and appreciate the flavors and aromas of the wine.
To start, pour yourself a small amount of wine (about an ounce or two) into a glass. Before taking a sip, take a moment to look at the wine’s color. Hold the glass up to a white surface, such as a piece of paper, to get a better sense of the wine’s hue. Is it light or dark? Does it have any hints of purple or red?
Smelling and tasting
Next, bring the glass to your nose and take a deep inhale. What do you smell? Wine has many different aromas, and you may pick up on a variety of scents, such as fruit, flowers, spices, or even earthy or mineral notes.
When you’re ready, take a small sip of the wine and hold it in your mouth for a few seconds. Swirl the wine around your mouth to fully coat your tongue and taste buds. Pay attention to the wine’s flavor and body. Does it taste fruity or earthy? Is it light and refreshing or rich and full-bodied?
Acidity, Tannins and Finish
As you continue to taste the wine, think about its acidity, tannins, and finish. Acidity gives wine a crisp, tangy flavor, while tannins are responsible for the dry, astringent sensation you might feel in your mouth. The finish is the taste and sensation that linger in your mouth after you’ve swallowed the wine.
It’s also helpful to think about how the wine makes you feel. Does it make you feel warm and relaxed, or does it have a more stimulating effect?
Where should I be when tasting wine?
When you’re tasting wine, it’s important to avoid distractions. Turn off your phone and any other potential sources of noise or interruptions. It’s also a good idea to avoid wearing strong perfumes or colognes, as they can interfere with your ability to detect the wine’s aromas.
If you’re tasting wine with others, try to avoid sharing feedback until everyone thinks for themselves. Sometimes the opinion of others may sway your own.
Relax and Enjoy!
Most importantly, enjoy it! Wine tasting should be fun and not a chore; don’t put too much thought into it! There’s no single right way to taste wine but hopefully this page provides guidelines to help you get started.
