Do you have a yearning to learn more about fine wine but you’re nervous because you don’t have any knowledge on the subject? Does the idea of wine tasting intimidate you?
Don’t let this deter you. The process of this is easy, and it can open up a whole new world of possible drinks and knowledge of drinks that you didn’t have before.
Keep reading to find out how wine tastings work!
Visiting a Wine Room
Visiting a wine room for a wine-tasting experience is an exciting adventure. During the tasting, you’ll sample several different wines and learn about the foundations of wine tasting. The experience may begin with an official presentation of certain wines, followed by actual tastings of the different types of wines.
The guests may have the opportunity to sample a variety of reds, whites, fortified wines, and even sparkling wines. Through education and taste exploration, you’ll be introduced to the basics of flavor, body, smell, and taste.
The wine tasting will provide an opportunity to observe the nuances of different wines, regions, winemakers, and styles. As a conclusion to the tasting, you’ll get to select a favorite from their selection and end the visit with a sense of improved knowledge and a bottle of wine to take home.
Tasting Sheets are Often Provided
Generally, the wines being tasted are organized into a specific flight and the order in which they are tasted is usually described to the tasters. A tasting sheet is often provided, which outlines the characteristics to look for in each wine. By using the sheet, tasters can note prominent flavors such as fruity, earthy, or spicy.
They can also take time to note aroma, body, and often, the length of its finish. At the end of the wine tasting, tasters can compare what they observed to see if their notes are in agreement. The tasting sheet helps tasters to objectively compare each wine, aiding in the overall experience.
The Wines Are Typically Poured by a Server
At a wine tasting, wines are typically poured by a server. This is an important component of wine tasting, as it helps to control the amount of wine being served and limits the amount of exposure to air. The server pours a small portion of the wine into each glass – usually a couple of ounces – so that the taster can sample the different wines without feeling obligated to finish an entire glass.
Additionally, the server may provide the taster with details about the particular wine, such as its vintage, origin, aroma, and taste profile. Ultimately, the server’s job is for each guest to have a pleasant and informative tasting experience.
The Taster Will First Examine the Wine’s Appearance
The taster will first examine the appearance of the wine to form a mental impression and analyze the aroma and look of the color and clarity. The taster will inhale and then examine the wine. They will then look for various characteristics such as its body, acidity, tannins, complexity, balance, flavor, and finish.
The Taster Will Smell the Wine
Before tasting wine, the taster will smell it first. They will swirl the wine in their glass to help release the aromas. By engaging their sense of smell, the taster can get a richer understanding of the wine’s complexity.
They will find aromatic compounds that can range from floral and fruity to smoky and spicy. The taster might even detect the aromas of an oak barrel that was used for aging.
The Taster Will Then Taste the Wine
At a wine tasting, the taster will also then taste the wine. Typically, the taster will take in the appearance of the wine by examining the color, clarity, and viscosity. Next, they will take a quick whiff of the wine to identify the aromas.
Then, they will take a few sips to properly know the flavors. Depending on the tasting, they may take a few more sips and discuss the taste aloud with other tasters.
Professional wine tasters may finish the taste by tracking how the wine coats the tongue and carries through its finish. Throughout the wine tasting, the taster will usually take notes to remember the wine’s qualities for future reference.
Taster May Spit or Swallow
Spitting the wine out after tasting allows tasters to experience more wines without getting intoxicated. Swallowing the wine provides an even more detailed understanding of the flavor profile and texture of the wine.
He or she may also pick up on more subtle flavors like nutty, spicy, and fruity. Some wines may be more enjoyable to swallow due to their full-bodied flavor, while others may be more astringent and require spitting.
In either case, tasting and spitting or swallowing the wines carefully can help the taster learn more about the wine experience.
Cleanse the Palate Between Tasting
It is also important to cleanse the palate in between tastings. Cleaning the palate allows for a more pleasant tasting experience and can help you to identify the subtleties of different wines.
The goal is to erase the taste of a previous wine so that you can start fresh with each new one. A couple of methods to cleanse the palate between tasting is to eat unsalted crackers, swish and spit water, or nibble on a piece of green apple.
Doing this will help you to enjoy each wine and give accurate descriptions of each one.
Discussion and Comparison
Discussion and comparison are key components during wine tasting tours. The host may talk about the background of the wine, such as its region, winemaker, and grape variety.
Some tasters compare the characteristics of one wine to those of another to draw parallels. Participants may take notes to recall their observations, or the host might have an open forum for participants to share their opinions.
All About Knowing What Happens at a Wine Tasting
Wine tasting is an accessible and great way to understand wines. Regardless of your level of experience or knowledge, by attending a tasting, you are gaining knowledge of wines and the regions they originate from.
Open your palate and see what you can discover! Try your local vineyard and see what they offer in the way of wine tastings.
