A Wine Tasting Guide for Beginners
04/28/2021
Wine tasting can seem intimidating and complicated for those new to the experience.
Don’t Stress Out! In this post I’m going to help you understand the process which will increase the lifetime enjoyment that you receive from wine.
First, try to learn something about the wine about to be poured to you. Look for wine notes often found on a card or brochure that describes the wine in detail. Learn which fruit aromas and any other characteristics the wine contains. Was it aged in oak barrels? How long was it aged? Are the grapes Estate grown?
Pay close attention to the person pouring your wine as they will have a great story to tell about the wine and are happy to share their knowledge with you. If you are lucky, Branden our wine maker will be pouring your wine. We encourage you to ask lots of questions.
After the wine has been poured, note its color. Is its overall appearance light or dark? Can you see through it? Does the texture seem syrupy or thin in the glass? Based on appearance alone, how do you expect the wine to taste?
Next, hold the stem and swirl a couple of times. This will help the wine to oxygenate, which brings out the aromas and flavors.
Now take a big whiff.
Remember the mental notes you took and the written description? Try to recall them. What do you smell? Most people can pick out big aromas like apple and cherry. Close your eyes and try to detect some of the more subtle aromas. You might surprise yourself.
Take that first sip!
Feels great doesn’t it? Keep the wine in your mouth and let it roll around for a few seconds. What fruit flavors do you taste? What other flavors do you taste? Is it sweet or dry? White wines are typically tart and crisp against the side of your tongue, while high alcoholic red wines such as cabernet sauvignon can create a dry mouthfeel.
Now Swallow.
Can you still taste the wine in your mouth? That is the finish! The longer the taste lingers in your mouth, the better the finish.
Reflect on what you liked and disliked about the wine you just sampled. Enjoy a cracker of some water to cleanse the palate before moving on to your next tasting.
You did it! How easy was that? Always remember that everyone has a unique palate and it’s ok to have your own opinion.
Above all, Have FUN!
Cheers!
Noelle
Post By:
Noelle Cook