Wine is a fascinating product, the result of a combination of nature and human wisdom. When it comes to wine tasting, it does not mean simply drinking it, but embarking on a sensory journey to discover the scents, flavors and nuances that tell the story of the wine and the land from which it comes.
Steps for a proper wine tasting
Tasting a wine means analyzing it with the five senses: sight, smell, taste, touch and hearing. Here are the steps to follow for a proper tasting:
1. Visual examination
Pour the wine into a suitable glass, preferably clear and long stem to avoid heating the wine with your hand. Tilt the glass slightly on a white background to observe the color of the wine. The shade allows to identify the type of wine (white, red, rosé) and its age: white wines tend to take a more amber color with aging, while reds turn towards garnet. The intensity of the colour indicates the concentration of polyphenols, particularly tannins in red wines. The brilliance, or clarity of the wine, is an indication of good conservation. A veiled or cloudy wine may have defects.
2. Olfactory examination
Bring the glass close to the nose and gently swirl the wine to oxygenate it. This operation allows you to release the volatile aromas of the wine. Explore the fragrances that emerge, distinguishing between:
- Primary fragrances: they are directly derived from the grape and the aromatic compounds present in the grapes, such as fruit (peach, apple, cherry), flowers (rose, violet, jasmine) and herbs (mint, sage, thyme).
- Secondary scents: developed during the fermentation and maceration of wine, including spices (pepper, nutmeg), toasted (coffee, chocolate) and butter.
- Tertiary scents: they appear with the aging of wine in cask or barrique, giving notes of honey, vanilla, tobacco, leather and balsamic.
The intensity and persistence of aromas provide further information on wine quality.
3. Taste Test
Taste a small amount of wine, gently aspirating it into the mouth. Distribute the wine on the whole tongue, swirling it to wet all the taste buds. Pay attention to:
- Sweetness: determined by the residual sugar in the wine, it can vary from dry to sweet.
- Acidity: gives the wine freshness and vivacity, contrasting sweetness. A balanced wine has a balanced acidity.
- Tannic: typical of red wines, due to the tannins present in the grape skin. An astringent sensation indicates a young wine or with a high content of tannins.
- Alcohol: perceived as heat in the mouth, must be balanced with the other components of the wine.
- Body: sensation of roundness and structure of the wine, which can be light, medium or full-bodied.
4. Tactile examination
Feel the consistency of the wine in your mouth, whether it is slippery, velvety or astringent. A wine with a bigger body will have a more tactile and enveloping sensation.
5. Aftertaste
After swallowing, pay attention to the aftertaste, which is the aromatic persistence that remains in the mouth after drinking wine. A quality wine will have a long and pleasant aftertaste, which recalls the olfactory sensations previously perceived.
How to recognize aromas and flavors
- Aroma wheels: visual tools that categorize the aromas of wine according to olfactory families (fruits, flowers, spices, herbs, etc.). There are different wheels of flavors, each with its own specific classification. Some common wheels include the Le Nez du Vin wine aroma wheel and the Associazione Italiana Sommelier’s wine aroma wheel.
- Wine dictionaries: books describing grape varieties, wine regions, production methods and organoleptic characteristics of wines. A good wine dictionary provides detailed information on every aspect of wine, from aromas and flavors to techniques for producing and matching food and wine.
- Tasting courses: participating in courses taught by experienced sommeliers allows you to deepen your knowledge and hone your tasting skills. Tasting courses offer a hands-on experience led by industry professionals, allowing you to taste a variety of wines and learn how to recognize their characteristics.
Tips to improve your wine tasting experience
In addition to following the steps for a proper tasting and to deepen your knowledge about aromas and flavors of wine, here are some tips to improve your tasting experience:
- Choose the right environment: Taste in a quiet and well-lit place, without olfactory or acoustic distractions. A quiet environment allows you to concentrate on your senses and fully appreciate the characteristics of wine.
- Use the appropriate glasses: The shape and size of the glass affect the perception of aromas and flavors of wine. For an optimal tasting, use specific glasses for each type of wine:
- Glasses for white wines: generally tulip-shaped, with a narrow opening that concentrates the aromas.
- Glasses for red wines: wider and fuller, to promote the oxygenation of the wine and the perception of perfumes.
- Glasses for sparkling wines: flûte, high and narrow, to preserve the bubbles and effervescence.
- Serve the wine at the right temperature: Each type of wine has an ideal serving temperature that enhances its characteristics. White wines are generally served fresh, between 8°C (46°F) and 12°C (54°F), while red wines require a slightly higher temperature, between 14°C (57°F) and 18°C (64°F). Rosé wines and sweet wines have service temperatures that vary depending on the type.
- Combine wine with food: Choose a wine that matches the food you are eating. The pairing of food and wine is an art that requires knowledge and experimentation. In general, white wines go well with fish dishes, vegetables and fresh cheeses, while red wines are ideal for red meats, game and aged cheeses. Rosé wines are versatile and can be paired with a variety of dishes, while sweet wines pair perfectly with desserts and blue cheeses.
- Taking notes: Writing down your impressions during the tasting allows you to create a personal archive of experiences and improve your analytical skills. Take note of the wine tasted, its colour, perceived aromas, taste and tactile sensations. Note also the food-wine pairing, if present.
- Taste in moderation: Wine is a product to be enjoyed in moderation. Excessive alcohol consumption can have negative effects on health. Tasting with moderation allows you to fully enjoy the pleasure of wine without taking risks.
Tasting a wine is an experience that involves all the senses and can be very pleasant and informative. Following these tips and deepening your knowledge, you will fully appreciate the complexity and richness of the world of wine.