You and Wine Appreciation
Wine tasting has become an art to the senses. You must engage your sense of sight, smell, and then taste to appreciate each savory glass put in front of you. The four taste perceptions we can sense is: bitter, salty, sweet or sour. Smell is uniquely different with each individual, hence the reason why certain wines and their tasters get completely different responses when tasting wine. Wine tasting is an uniquely individual experience, and what YOU experience is what is important here. Ah, the beauty of so many wines and selections to choose from to appeal to everyone!
So let's begin on our journey of wine tasting appreciation and YOU....
SIGHT:
- When the wine is poured into your glass, tilt it a bit away from you and look at the color. Compare its clarity against something that has a white background such as a napkin or a tablecloth. If it is red wine, look to see if the colors are along the range of garnet color, maroon, or even almost a dark brown. If your first glass is a white wine, see if the color is amber, pale yellow, or even a light brown?
- Check the clarity of the wine poured. Is it crystal clear or a little cloudy? Is it opaque or translucent? Is it dull or have a sheen to it? Do you see any sediment or cork floating around in it? Tilt your glass and swirl it around a bit more and take a closer look. If it's an older red wine, it should have along the edges of color, a more orange tint than the younger wines. If it is a white wine you have in your glass, and it is a darker color of yellow, chances are you have an older white wine than a younger one.
- To appreciate the aroma of your wine, it will require you to swirl it around your glass for at least 10 seconds. What this does is allow the air to vaporize the alcohol, hence releasing more of it's aroma for your nose to smell. Bring your nose over the glass and take a quick waft of your wine's bouquet! What is your first impression?
- Remember that and repeat the process again and inhale again over your glass. What was your second impression? Was it different than your first? Were you able to smell anything floral or citrus? How about berry or oak? Retain your thoughts for the next step!
- Begin with a small "sip" of your wine, and roll it in your mouth ensuring all of your tongue experiences it as best as possible. What is your initial thoughts regarding your wine? Can you taste the alcohol content? Can you detect the tannin levels, sugar, or acidity in your mouth? Is the wine dry or does it taste sweet? There is a lot of complexity and intensity going on with that first sip, so make note of it in your head, and mouth.
- Now take your second sip of wine, rolling it in your mouth again covering your tongue. This time really take note and discern the flavor and experience the actual taste on your palate. If you are tasting red wine you more than likely will notice on this second "go round" that you will taste things such as fruit flavors (berry or fig), and possibly even spices such as cinnamon or clove. If it is a white wine, you will probably notice more the flavors of tropical fruits or citrus, apples, or even pear! You may notice a "earthiness" flavor, floral, or sweet honey. Make mental notes of your experience on your second sip of white or red wine.
- Finally, take note of how long the flavor lasts in your mouth after you have finished swallowing it. The wine's aftertaste is a significant factor in your impression of the wine. What do you still taste? Was it a light, medium or a heavy bodied wine? Can you still taste it on the back of your tongue and throat? Do you want another taste, or was the experience too acidic or bitter? Does the taste linger long enough to make a lasting impression, and was it a good one? Do you want to finish the remaining wine in your glass because it was a good experience and do you cringe at the thought of taking another sip? Would you be inspired to buy a bottle and take it home same day?
Whatever you decide to do, the wine tasting experience is a great opportunity to try out new wines smells, and new tastes. Savor the journey and experience! Look, smell and taste the splash in your glass! Enjoy!!
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