Wine tasting is like an art; it takes time to learn how to interpret each delectable sip. If you are just entering the world of wine or are looking for more knowledge on tasting tips, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with what exactly you should be noticing when you drink. Getting to know your wine will have you well on your way to tasting wine like a pro.
Use Your Senses
Use your eyes to focus on the color of the wine as it is poured into your glass. Pick up the glass and allow the light to show the light or deep colors. The darker / richer the color, the more full-bodied the wine is. On the contrary, if the wine appears transparent, it’s a light-bodied wine. Older wines will have a dull color, while younger wines are brighter.
Your keen sense of smell is highly beneficial and will allow you to pick up notes of herbs, oak, fruits, chocolate and other delicious items used to make the wine.
Your sense of touch begins working the moment the wine touches your lips. You will be able to focus on the texture of the wine.
Finally your sense of taste allows you to indulge in the wine and all of the notes your sense of smell picked up comes to life. These four senses are used every time you enjoy a glass of wine.
Tasting Tips
- Tasting Acidity – Acidity is one of the first things that wine drinkers can notice from the very first sip, simply because it persists long after you have swallowed the wine. If it is highly acidic, it will make your mouth water. Most wines’ acidity levels range from citrus to butter-like. To react like a pro, you can comment on a specific wine’s acidity by mentioning that it has a buttery, lemony or citrus taste.
- Tasting Alcohol – Identifying the level of alcohol comes with experience. However, in the beginning you can focus on the back of your throat after you swallow the wine. Usually you can detect through the sensation it leaves after you swallow. You can also sense the alcohol level from any warmth you feel in your chest as the wine is swallowed.
- Tasting Tannin – Tannins provide texture and bitterness to wine. Oak tannins tend to affect the center back of your tongue as well as the sides. Grape tannins will easily stick to your teeth and lips. By differentiating between the two it will help you comment on what type of tannin you are experiencing with the wine.
The appearance, aromas and flavor of the wine works in combination to allow wine drinkers to savor every sip. When assessing wine, remember that density tells you the age of the wine from its color and level of translucence. Viscosity allows you to tell the sweetness and alcohol level. Viscosity is also referred to as ‘legs’ or ‘tears’. During your next wine tasting experience be sure to focus on your senses and allow them to guide you through the process.