As someone who has spent years enjoying and learning about wine, I know how overwhelming it can seem at first. The swirling, sniffing, and sipping might feel intimidating (or even silly), but it doesn’t have to be. Tasting wine is about engaging your senses and savoring the experience. Let me guide you through the simple steps of how to taste and assess wine, so you can enjoy every sip with confidence.
Preparing to Taste
Before diving in, create the ideal conditions for tasting:
- Choose a neutral environment: Avoid strong odors (e.g., perfumes or cooking smells) that can interfere with your sense of smell.
- Use appropriate glassware: Opt for clear, tulip-shaped glasses to capture the wine’s aromas.
- Serve wine at the correct temperature:
- White wines: 45–50°F (7–10°C)
- Red wines: 60–65°F (16–18°C)
- Sparkling wines: 38–45°F (3–7°C)
- Have water and neutral snacks: Cleanse your palate with water and plain crackers between tastings.
The 5 Steps to Proper Wine Tasting
1. See
Observe the wine’s appearance. Hold the glass against a white background to assess:
- Color:
- Whites range from pale straw to deep gold.
- Reds vary from ruby to garnet and even purple.
- Clarity: The wine should look clear, not cloudy.
- Viscosity (legs): Swirl the glass gently and watch how the wine drips down the sides. Slow-moving “legs” indicate higher alcohol or sugar content.
2. Swirl
Swirling aerates the wine, releasing its aromas. Hold the base of the glass and rotate it in a circular motion. This step prepares you for the next—smelling.
3. Smell
The sense of smell plays a critical role in tasting wine. Bring the glass to your nose and take a few short sniffs, then one deep inhale. Pay attention to:
- Primary aromas: Fruity, floral, or herbal scents that come from the grape.
- Secondary aromas: Yeast or nutty notes from fermentation.
- Tertiary aromas: Toasty, earthy, or spicy scents from aging.
Pro Tip: If you’re struggling to identify scents, think of broad categories like citrus, berries, or spices, and narrow them down.
4. Sip
Take a small sip and let it coat your mouth. Focus on these elements:
- Sweetness: Is it dry, off-dry, or sweet?
- Acidity: Does the wine feel crisp and refreshing or soft and flat?
- Tannin (for reds): Are the tannins smooth, grippy, or astringent?
- Body: Is the wine light, medium, or full-bodied?
- Flavor profile: Identify fruit, spice, or earthy flavors.
- Finish: Does the flavor linger or fade quickly? A longer finish often indicates higher quality.
5. Savor
Reflect on the overall balance and harmony of the wine. Consider these questions:
- Do the flavors complement the wine’s aroma?
- Are the acidity, tannin, and sweetness in balance?
- Would you pair it with specific foods or enjoy it on its own?
Advanced Tips for Assessing Wine
- Pair It With Food: Test how the wine interacts with salty, sweet, or rich dishes.
- Take Notes: Write down your impressions to track preferences over time.
- Compare Wines: Try different styles side-by-side for a broader perspective.
Common Tasting Notes
Here’s a cheat sheet of descriptors for tasting notes:
Fruit Flavors:
- Citrus (lemon, lime, grapefruit)
- Red fruits (cherry, raspberry, strawberry)
- Black fruits (blackberry, plum, blackcurrant)
- Tropical (pineapple, mango, lychee)
Non-Fruit Flavors:
- Floral (rose, violet, lavender)
- Herbal (mint, thyme, eucalyptus)
- Spices (pepper, cinnamon, clove)
- Earthy (mushroom, forest floor)
Aging Characteristics:
- Oak (vanilla, toast, coconut)
- Mineral (flint, chalk)
Putting a label on the aroma and flavors of a wine has always been difficult for me. I’ve often wished I had a more sophisticated palate and sense of smell.
Years ago I saw a movie called French Kiss starring Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline. Kevin Kline is a winemaker and at one point he is trying to help Meg Ryan’s character identify aromas in wine. He had a case with vials of different scents. I always thought that if I had something like that it would really help me train my senses. I was excited to learn that now there is a reasonably priced kit like that available for the consumer. This Red Wine Aroma Kit (there is a white one too) is going to be a gift to me!
Why Learning to Taste and Assess Wine Matters
Tasting wine is about more than the drink itself. It’s a way to connect with history, culture, and craftsmanship. By understanding how to taste and assess wine, you’ll unlock a world of flavors and experiences.
By following these steps, you’ll feel more confident selecting, tasting, and discussing wine. Whether you’re at a winery, hosting a tasting, or simply enjoying a glass at home, you’ll appreciate the depth and complexity of every bottle. Cheers to your journey into the world of wine!
