How Does Wine Tasting Work? Wine Tasting Etiquette

Unravelling the complexities of wine is a sensory journey that begins with careful observation.  From the initial visual assessment to the final, lingering taste, each step provides valuable clues about the wine's character. By mastering the art of seeing, swirling, smelling, sipping, and savouring, wine enthusiasts can elevate their appreciation for this complex beverage.

• See: Look at the wine, checking its clarity, sediment, and the colour of the wine. The colour of wine will tell you the intensity of the wine about to be tasted.
• Swirl: Swirl the glass on the table, rotate your glass, this aerates the wine, swirling helps the wine interact with oxygen releasing aromas before smelling the wine. If there is high sugar content, it will leave streaks in the glass. (Called ‘legs’ or ‘tears’).
• Smell: Holding the stem, place your nose inside and inhale. Never sniff the cork (there is no need as that is not where the smell is) however looking at it will indicate cracks, mould, and seepage. Sniffing the wine will tell you how intense the wine is, does it remind you of fruit, flowers etc.
• ​​Sip: Never drink the wine. Sip the wine and allow the wine to roll around in your mouth 3-5 seconds to coat your mouth so as to detect its overall structure. You will be thinking about its textures, flavours, and weight. By letting in oxygen to mix in with your wine (en mouth) you will get to know the full profile of the wine.
• Savour: When you swallow the wine, you will get a different taste to that during the above procedures. By doing this you will be able to see the wine’s balance, and detect any notes of domination or not.

 
Conclusion
The process of wine tasting is a multi-sensory experience that requires attention to detail. By systematically observing the wine's appearance, aroma, and taste, one can develop a deeper understanding of its intricacies. From the initial visual inspection to the final, lingering impression, each step contributes to a holistic appreciation of the wine's unique qualities. Ultimately, the goal is to savour the experience and discover the subtle nuances that make each wine truly special.

Article Published In: Etiquipedia.blogspot.com