Tasting Wine To Its Fullest
Tasting wine is an art form that takes a lot of knowledge, a little adventure and a great desire to taste new things. Many people spend years and years acquiring the knowledge and the taste buds in order to classify wines expertly. Not everyone can be an expert but with a little help anyone can know what wines are good for them.
Tasting wine begins at the wine store, a wine club or a restaurant. The whole art of wine knowledge begins with wine glasses. It may sound peculiar but its the shape of the glass that allows the taster to utilize all of their senses but in particular the sense of sight, smell and taste. A good glass utilizes all of these, it is not about going to the cupboard and grabbing a water glass.
Wine glasses come in three general categories. Tasting wine begins at this level so it is important to choose a quality product. White wine glasses are tulip shaped, red wine glasses are more round and shorter and sparkling wines or champagnes are long stemmed.
The next step in wine tasting is to know what temperature each wine is more suited for. A general rule of thumb is that the lighter colors are better colder (around forty-two degrees Fahrenheit) and the dark colors are better warmer (no warmer than sixty-eight degrees Fahrenheit).
Tasting wine then involves the senses. The first is the sense of sight. Once the wine is poured into the glass a quick swirl is given so that the colors can be observed. Red wines that are older have a browner tint whereas young reds are lighter on the rim. If a wine looks "thicker" than another it is also a good indication of alcohol level and maturity.
The sense of smell is very important where tasting wine concerns. A quick and brief sniff should be given and the beginner may not be able to identify the common aromas that make up wines. These aromas can be: fruity, woodsy, earthy, a flower scent or even a spicy or herb essence. Do not worry if these are not immediately apparent, it takes time to develop that level. Concentrate instead on the scents that do present themselves.
Tasting wine then goes into the actual tasting phase, the first initial sip is to detect the balance. Then it a deeper drink is taken where it is swirled around the mouth while a bit of breath is taken. This is to determine how rich the particular vintage is.
The final stage occurs after swallowing. It is the all important aftertaste. What sensations did the wine leave? Was there a pleasant aftertaste? This is where the particulars of each individual come into play as to whether or not they enjoyed it. Tasting wine is an art and it is there for everyone to enjoy, just saddle up and grab a book because it can be an exciting ride.
Tasting wine begins at the wine store, a wine club or a restaurant. The whole art of wine knowledge begins with wine glasses. It may sound peculiar but its the shape of the glass that allows the taster to utilize all of their senses but in particular the sense of sight, smell and taste. A good glass utilizes all of these, it is not about going to the cupboard and grabbing a water glass.
Wine glasses come in three general categories. Tasting wine begins at this level so it is important to choose a quality product. White wine glasses are tulip shaped, red wine glasses are more round and shorter and sparkling wines or champagnes are long stemmed.
The next step in wine tasting is to know what temperature each wine is more suited for. A general rule of thumb is that the lighter colors are better colder (around forty-two degrees Fahrenheit) and the dark colors are better warmer (no warmer than sixty-eight degrees Fahrenheit).
Tasting wine then involves the senses. The first is the sense of sight. Once the wine is poured into the glass a quick swirl is given so that the colors can be observed. Red wines that are older have a browner tint whereas young reds are lighter on the rim. If a wine looks "thicker" than another it is also a good indication of alcohol level and maturity.
The sense of smell is very important where tasting wine concerns. A quick and brief sniff should be given and the beginner may not be able to identify the common aromas that make up wines. These aromas can be: fruity, woodsy, earthy, a flower scent or even a spicy or herb essence. Do not worry if these are not immediately apparent, it takes time to develop that level. Concentrate instead on the scents that do present themselves.
Tasting wine then goes into the actual tasting phase, the first initial sip is to detect the balance. Then it a deeper drink is taken where it is swirled around the mouth while a bit of breath is taken. This is to determine how rich the particular vintage is.
The final stage occurs after swallowing. It is the all important aftertaste. What sensations did the wine leave? Was there a pleasant aftertaste? This is where the particulars of each individual come into play as to whether or not they enjoyed it. Tasting wine is an art and it is there for everyone to enjoy, just saddle up and grab a book because it can be an exciting ride.
