Wine Tasting: The Basics

Visiting the tasting room for the first time can be extremely intimidating if you are unsure on what to expect. But not to worry! Below some basic steps I found on WikiHow on what to do when the vino is presented. It's important to remember that wine tasting is more than just sipping, its an experience that should include almost every one of your senses.

Below is my abbreviated version of the 10 original steps listed. For the detailed version, click here.

1. Look at the wine
You want to start with examining the color of the wine, and the change in color from the center of the glass to the edges. The best way to do this is to tilt the glass slightly. You'll want to take note of the color and clarity of the wine.

2. Swirl the wine
You'll next what to slightly swirl the wine within the glass. This helps to oxygenate the wine, which is help to expose the natural aromas of the wine.

3. Note the wine's 'viscosity' while swirling
A wine's viscosity is a observation of how slowly the wine runs back down the sides of the glass. More viscous wines are said to have 'legs' and maybe more alcoholic or have a fuller body.

4. Sniff your wine
Hold the wine a few inches away from your nose and then bring your nose to the glass. (aka try to be elegant, don't just slam your nose into your wine glass). Take notes of the aromas and fragrance notes.

5. Take the first sip
Before swallowing make sure to roll the wine around your month, to expose it to every taste bud. Make sure to also pay attention to the texture of the wine within your mouth.

6. Aspirate through the wine
Purse your lips as if you are whistling, and draw air into your mouth, then exhale the air out through your nose. This helps to liberate the aromas of the wine. This step is important because the nose is the only place where aromas can be detected (obviously). It is also important to remember that when the wine interacted with your saliva new aromas will be created.

7. Take a second sip, but with air
Take a second sip of the wine as well as some air. The authors of this article put it bluntly... "slurp the wine (without making a loud slurping noise, of course)." Take note of any changes in flavor.

8. Taste the Aftertaste
Note the natural aftertaste of the wine. Is it fresh, crisp, spicy? And how long does this aftertaste last for?

9. Take notes of your Experience
Write down your experience from each wine. Remember to include every detail from the initial aroma to the aftertaste. This can help with your decision on what bottle to purchase once the tasting is over.

Once you commit these 9 steps to memory you will not only look like a wine expert but it will also help to enhance your wine tasting experience. Remember wine tasting is more than just tasting, you also need to be cognizant of the textures, aromas, and appearances of the wines.