As you start to get more into wine, you’ll naturally want to understand what makes each bottle unique. Wine tasting is the gateway to a world full of fascinating flavors, exciting discoveries, and a deeper appreciation for what’s in your glass. Knowing how to properly taste wine helps you figure out which types you really enjoy and why. This step-by-step guide is here to give you the confidence and know-how to explore the wide world of wine like a pro.
The “5 S” of Tasting Wine
Before we move on, let’s talk about a neat little framework to help you remember the essential steps of wine tasting—The 5 S’s: See, Swirl, Sniff, Sip, and Savor. This approach is a condensed and easy-to-remember guide you can mentally go through as you experience each wine. Now, let’s break down what each “S” represents:
First, Get Prepared
First, let’s set the right atmosphere for this sensory expedition. Having a proper wine glass can make a world of difference, as it’s specially designed to bring out the wine’s aroma and flavor. Plus, it just feels more elegant, right? Natural lighting will also be your best friend here, allowing you to fully appreciate the wine’s color. And speaking of appreciation, keep your environment odor-free. Strong smells, whether it’s your spicy dinner or a fragrant candle, can impact your sense of smell, and by extension, your tasting experience.
Step 1: See
Pour your wine, but don’t fill the glass more than a third. Tilt it a little and take a moment to admire the color against a white background. The hue can tell you a lot, like whether the wine is young or mature, or what grape might be involved.
Young wines often have a brighter, more vivid color. A young red wine might appear purplish, while a young white could be more straw-like or lemony in color. On the flip side, older wines tend to mellow in color. Reds may take on a brick-like hue, and whites might look more golden or even amber.
Step 2: Swirl
The swirl isn’t just wine showmanship—it’s a crucial step that aerates the wine, allowing it to release its bouquet of aromas. Before swirling, remember to hold the glass by the stem; otherwise, your body heat can alter the wine’s temperature which can completely change the taste of the wine. Holding the glass by the stem is an absolute rule in wine tastings.
Swirling also lets you examine the “wine legs” or “tears” of the wine, those streaks that trickle down the side of the glass after a good swirl.
The legs can tell you something about the wine’s alcohol content. A wine with slow-moving, thick legs often indicates higher alcohol content or a richer texture. On the other hand, fast, thin legs usually suggest a lighter, potentially crisper wine. Understanding this can add another layer to your appreciation of wine, helping you to become a more discerning taster.
Step 3: Sniff
Lean in for that big sniff. What greets your nose might be a medley of aromas. Initially, you’ll pick up ‘primary aromas,’ which come from the grape variety itself—think fruits, flowers, and herbs.
As you inhale deeper, you may discover ‘secondary aromas,’ which come from the winemaking process, like the scent of yeast or fresh bread. Wait, there’s more! Aged wines might even offer ‘tertiary aromas,’ like vanilla, leather, or tobacco, which come from the aging process in oak barrels or the bottle. It’s an olfactory adventure that can be as complex as it is delightful.
Step 4: Sip
Alright, now it’s time for the best part—actually tasting the wine. Start with just a small sip to get your mouth and taste buds ready for what’s to come.
White wines and red wines can play different games with your taste buds. White wines are often lighter and can feel zesty or bright. They usually make the tip of your tongue—where you taste sweet and sour—really come alive. Red wines are usually the opposite. They’re fuller and richer, making the sides and even the back of your mouth join in on the action.
As you let the wine move around your mouth, think about how it feels. Is it smooth, or maybe a bit rough? Different parts of your tongue are good at tasting different things—like sweetness, sourness, and bitterness. Make sure the wine gets to all these areas.
Once you’ve done that, go ahead and swallow. If you want to be sure of what you just tasted, take a second sip, especially if you have been eating or drinking something else before. Your taste buds will be more used to the wine this time, and you might notice something new.
High Acidity vs. Low Acidity
Wines with high acidity tend to taste crisp, lively, and fresh. They’re the kind that makes your mouth water and are often described as “zesty” or “tangy.” High-acid wines are excellent palate cleansers, making them great companions for many different foods. These wines are often from cooler climates where grapes don’t ripen as easily, retaining their natural acidity. Varietals like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Riesling are often high in acidity.
On the other end of the spectrum, low-acid wines often come across as rounder, softer, and more lush. They might be described as “smooth” or “mellow,” lacking that zippy quality that high-acid wines possess. Wines with lower acidity often come from warmer climates where grapes ripen more fully, reducing their natural acidity. You might find this in varietals like Chardonnay, Merlot, or Zinfandel.
Step 5: Savor
After swallowing, savor the wine’s taste. Relish in the remaining flavors and sensations. This is what wine experts refer to as the ‘finish,’ and it can say a lot about the quality of a wine. A longer, more complex finish is often a sign of a high-quality wine. Some wines even evolve, offering new flavors that weren’t present at the first sip, a characteristic that never fails to delight.
Wrapping It Up: Reflect & Record
Once your glass is empty, or nearly so, take a minute to gather your thoughts. Did you enjoy the wine? If so, why? Was it a great wine? If not, what was off? Keeping a wine journal to document these impressions can be incredibly helpful, especially as you explore different types, regions, and vintages. Record the wine’s name, its grape variety, and where it’s from, along with any notes about the wine’s flavors and your experience.
