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The experience of tasting different wines is
one of the many wonderful things in life. Educated
tasting is a combination of knowledge, experience,
and learning the disciplined use of the three
senses involved - sight, smell, and taste.
 Do
not become discouraged if you cannot immediately
recognize certain wines or their countries of
origin. It takes many years and much discipline
to even begin to know wines for their particular
characteristics. However, this experience can
be enjoyable at any level and anyone can try
it - once you know some basics. As your knowledge
increases and you become more practiced, you
will become more skilful at this art, which
enhances your enjoyment and understanding of
wine.
Reasons
for Tasting & Writing Notes
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Glasses
Glasses
should be completely clean, dry, and polished.
Make sure they are washed in hot water only,
without detergent, which leaves a distinct
odour.
Glasses should be broader at the base and
narrower at the top. This shape aids by
guiding the aroma towards the nose.
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Tasting
Conditions
Professional
tasting should always be done in neutral conditions.
Ideal surroundings are good daylight clean
white surfaces no distracting odours The absence
of distracting odours is very important. Scents
of perfume or aftershave affect the bouquet
of wine and make it difficult to taste properly.
Fumes of any kind should be avoided. |
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The
Actual Process
The best time to taste is before a meal.
Try not to perform this after a hearty meal,
as your taste buds will be affected by what
you have been eating previously.
Taste white wines first, then rosés,
then reds.
In tasting accurately, only a small amount
should be poured into the tasting glass.
To fill it more than one-third full makes
it difficult to perform some of the following
operations.
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All
wines have certain common characteristics
Sweetness/Dryness
Acidity
Tannin
Weight or Body
Fruit
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Visual
A
great deal can be learned about wine by
examining it visually. As you do, look for
the following points:
Clarity: Is the wine bright and healthy
looking or is it hazy or cloudy?
Intensity: Is the color deep or pale?
Color: Hold the glass at an angle against
a white background and note the color.
This is best seen on the rim of the wine,
as shown in the illustration on the right.
Red wines begin life as purple, changing
with age to red, mahogany, and eventually
brown.
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Smelling
The smell of a wine is referred to as
its "nose." While noting the
nose, the wine's various aromas may be
released by swirling it in the glass.
This also allows the oxygen from the air
to mix with the wine and bring it into
optimum condition.
Sniff gently, but deeply, and check
for the following:
Condition: How does the wine smell?
Is it pleasing? Are there any musty,
earthy, or unpleasant aromas?
Intensity: Is its nose weak or full?
Character: The description of the fruitiness
can be difficult at first. With practice,
however, one will become more skilled
and able to recognize certain fruit
and/or flower characteristics. Some
note characteristics of currant, flowers,
cherries, or berries.
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Tasting
This
is the most important step of the process.
The taste of wine is known as its "palate".
After the wine has had a chance to "breathe,"
take a small mouthful. Let the wine hit
every part of your mouth. Different areas
of the mouth taste different flavors.
Use a spittoon to discard the wine
after tasting and to allow yourself
some time to admire the taste in your
mouth and note the length of its finish.
Professional tasting allow you the
opportunity to taste a wide range of
wines from all over the world. These
are wonderful if you wish to appreciate
how the flavors and styles of different
wines from other countries compare.
They also offer an opportunity to further
enhance your enjoyment of wine.
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