Wine tasting can be an intimidating affair, even for the most seasoned oenophiles. With all those glasses, swirling motions and inscrutable tasting notes, it’s enough to make any newbie feel out of their depth. Thankfully, following proper wine tasting etiquette isn’t as complicated as it may first appear. We’ve put together this handy guide covering the dos and don’ts for both casual tasters and aspiring connoisseurs.
Environment
An ideal setting for tasting wine should be free from strong smells or loud noises which could distract your senses. Where possible, tasting should be done in a clean, odourless room with neutral lighting. Failing that, your own kitchen table will suffice!
Glassware
While specialised wine glasses do exist for highlighting certain qualities, a standard wine glass with a large bowl will do. Do make sure your glass is squeaky clean beforehand, as any residual flavours or smells could influence your perception.
Pouring
An appropriate pour is usually 30-60 millilitres, or enough to cover the bottom third of your wine glass. This allows sufficient room for swirling without making a mess! When sampling several wines, it’s sensible to use a spittoon so you don’t end up three sheets to the wind.
Evaluating Appearance
Start by observing the wine’s clarity, colour and rim variation. Tilt your glass away from you to examine its hue and density. A watery looking wine could denote faults or lack of flavour.
Nosing Techniques
Before tasting, have a good sniff of your wine by gently swirling the glass to release its aromatic compounds. Sticking your nose right inside the bowl allows you to fully appreciate the wine’s bouquet. Take your time to pick out fruity, floral, herbal or spicy notes.
Palate Pleasures
Finally, take a small sip and let it linger in your mouth. Moving the wine over your tongue helps reveal its true taste profile. Besides sweetness, acidity and tannins, see if you can detect subtle savoury, earthy or woody characteristics.
Spitting vs Swallowing
Unlike TV wine critics, spitting out wine is perfectly acceptable at tastings. But if you do opt to swallow, be sure to cleanse your palate in between wines. Sipping water and eating plain crackers or bread can help reset your tastebuds.
Food Pairings
Sampling complementary foods alongside wines can heighten the tasting experience. Classic pairings like cheese with red wine or seafood with white wine rarely disappoint. When in doubt, try matching weightier wines with heartier foods, and lighter wines with more delicate dishes.
Take Notes
Jotting down your impressions makes comparing wines much simpler, especially if sampling several in one sitting. Don’t get too hung up on fancy tasting jargon. Focus instead on aspects you personally notice or enjoy, and describe them in your own words. Over time, you’ll develop a better vocabulary for communicating wine flavours.
So there you have it – our top tips for proper wine tasting etiquette. By following this advice, even newcomers to wine can feel like connoisseurs. Just remember to have fun, take your time and find out what you genuinely like rather than worrying what the experts think. Cheers!