Wine With

Everything affects the taste of a wine. This includes the soil in which the grape vines grow, the temperature and the rainfall during the growing season, the harvesting, the wine processing and even the food eaten while drinking.

A professional wine taster studies and perfects the craft for years. Their keen senses and expertise allows them to identify even the most subtle flavors and aromas derived from a multitude of factors.

You may not be interested in developing this level of wine tasting expertise but a little knowledge will ensure you enjoy all your wine has to offer.

Wine is meant to be experienced and these wine tasting tips are designed to help you learn the best way to taste wine.

Prepare the Wine - Temperature plays a vital role in the experience

White wine should be refrigerated before drinking. Adding ice cubes is not a great idea. (If you stoop to this level of desperation don’t admit it to anyone)

Rose` or lighter Red wines should be chilled slightly – 20 minutes in the fridge should bring it to about 68 degrees F.

Full-bodied red wines are best served at cool room temperature.

Some wines require decanting which oxygenates and allows sediments to fall.

Use your Eyes

Put 1 to 2 ounces of wine in your glass. Hold it up against a light colored backdrop and look at the colour. A good wine will be transparent and reflect light well. The color often deepens and becomes richer as wine ages.

Swirl and sniff

Hold the stem of the glass and gently swirl the wine. As the wine interacts with the air it releases the aroma. Smell the aroma. Breath deep.

Can you identify any of the scents? Are you reminded of a fruit? A flower? A spice? Take your time and enjoy this part.

Take a Sip

Draw air in as you take a sip. The oxygen enhances the flavors. Can you taste the smells you earlier identified with your nose?

Swirl the wine around in your mouth before you swallow. Let it rest on your taste buds. Is it sweet, bitter, or sour?

The Finish

After you swallow exhale through your nose. The lingering aftertaste should be a symphony of aroma and flavor once again confirming your earlier impressions.

It is often a good idea to track your experiences for later reference. This can be done using wine tasting journal or even a computer program.

If you are just beginning wine tasting, remember the only way to improve your skills is to practice and a great way to practice is to join a wine tasting club. These can be local wine tasting groups or online gatherings where you can share and learn.

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