Basics of wine tasting concepts for beginners

Do you think that to drink wine, you have to taste like an expert?

No, you don't!

The enjoyment of wine is a subjective and personal thing - good wine is wine that you like! However, it is always important to know the essential variables in the wine tasting process, as this enhances your enjoyment.

In order for you to better understand how to determine the characteristics of a wine, we offer you a step-by-step guide. The key is to follow the five basic steps: see, stir, smell, taste and enjoy:

1. See

The first stage of wine tasting is to observe. Pour the wine into a glass and hold it against a white background. Observe the colour and clarity of the wine. The tones can vary from pale yellow in white wines to deep ruby in red wines. This step gives you clues as to the age and type of wine you have. For example, young white wines may have greenish hues, while aged red wines may show more brownish tones.

2. Swrill

Stirring the wine in the glass is not just an elegant gesture; it has a purpose. By swirling, you release the wine's aromas and allow it to oxygenate. Notice how the wine coats the walls of the glass, forming "legs" or "tears". These indicate the viscosity and often the alcohol content of the wine.

3. Smell

Bring the glass to your nose and take a good sniff. Try to identify the different aromas. They can be fruity, floral, herbal or even earthy. Repeat this step several times, taking short breaks between each inhalation to take in all the layers of aromas. Don't worry if you don't recognise all the smells at first; over time, your sense of smell will become more acute.

4. Taste

Finally, it's time to taste the wine. Take a small sip and let the wine spread throughout your mouth. Pay attention to the acidity, tannins, body and specific flavours you perceive. Is it sweet or dry, what is the texture like, do you detect fruit, spice, or wood flavours? Each wine has its own structure and balance that you can discover.

5. Enjoy

After swallowing the wine, reflect on the experience. Note how long the flavours linger in your mouth, known as the "finish". A long finish generally indicates a high quality wine. Think about the balance and complexity of the wine - are all the elements well integrated? Is the wine interesting and multi-faceted? Taking the time to savour and reflect will help you better appreciate each wine.

Common Wine Tasting Terms

To help you better describe what you perceive, here are some common terms:

- Acidity: The refreshing sensation you feel on the tongue.

- Tannins: Compounds that give a dry mouthfeel.

- Body: The weight of the wine in the mouth, which can be light, medium or full.

- Bouquet: The aromas that come from the ageing of the wine.

Additional Tips

- Spit if necessary: In professional tastings, it is common to spit out the wine to avoid inebriation.

- Use a white background: To better observe the colour and clarity of the wine.

- Have fun: Wine tasting is a personal and subjective experience, so enjoy the process and learn at your own pace!

With these steps and tips, you'll be well on your way to becoming a wine connoisseur. cheers! 🍷

References:

The Art of Wine Tasting: A Beginner's Guide to Wine Tasting

Wine Tasting for Beginners

Mastering the 5 S's of Wine Tasting: A Guide for Beginners

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