New to Wine Tasting? Don’t worry, I Got Ya
3 Pro Tips for Wine Tasting
Kelly Simmerman
Most of us didn’t grow up in a wine-tasting environment, so there is always that first time, and trust me, you’ll never forget the experience.
I remember the first time I and a friend ventured into a wine-tasting room. We felt like a pair of lost penguins at a ballroom dance class. The woman pouring the wine swirled her glass elegantly, detecting aromas like a wine wizard, so we also tried to swirl. But that didn’t work out as I spilled the white wine on my shoes. With all the confidence of a toddler in a tiara, we took our first sip and tried to look sophisticated, but our taste buds were having a carnival. “Is that a hint of blackberry or a ninja raspberry?” we wondered, trying desperately to keep straight faces. We nodded appreciatively to the sommelier, though we secretly suspected that our palates were on vacation in a parallel universe.
That was a number of years ago before I became a wine sommelier. I wanted to know the difference between a cab suav and a cab franc. I thought that I might get into the wine business. Turns out I like tasting, drinking, and writing about wine.
If you haven’t had the opportunity to go to the wine country and taste wine, then you absolutely must. And, of course, I recommend Paso Robles, but I might be a tad biased. Along with some sensible shoes and a light sweater, here are a few wine-tasting tips to take with you.
Pro Tip 1: Use Your Senses
Sight: Begin by observing the wine’s appearance. Tilt the glass against a white background to assess its color, clarity, and viscosity. A young red wine might be vibrant, while an older one could be more brick colored.
Smell: Gently swirl the wine in your glass to release its aromas. Put your nose into the glass and take in the scents. Try to identify fruit, floral, herbal, and other nuanced notes.
Taste: Take a small sip and let it roll across your palate. Notice the initial flavors, how it evolves, and then the finish.
Photo by Alexandra Marta
Pay attention to acidity. Acidity creates a puckering or tingling sensation on the sides of your tongue and around your mouth. It’s akin to the feeling you get when you eat something sour. You should also pay attention to sweetness and, for red wines, tannins.
Tannins are a type of polyphenol, which are compounds found in plants. They act as a natural preservative and provide structure to the wine. They give the wine its backbone and contribute to its texture and mouthfeel. When the tannins are out of balance, they taste bitter and create an astringent sensation in the mouth. This is often described as a feeling of dryness or puckering on the palate. This sensation is similar to what you might experience when drinking strong tea.
Pro Tip 2: Ask Questions and Engage
Don’t hesitate to ask the tasting room staff questions. They’re often very knowledgeable and can provide insights about the wines, the winemaking process, and even food pairings. Engage in conversation, share your impressions, and be open to their recommendations.
Wine tasting is a subjective experience. Your preferences and interpretations are unique to you, so trust your palate and enjoy the journey.
Pro Tip 3: Stay Hydrated and Eat Well
Drinking water in between tastings helps cleanse your palate and keeps you refreshed. Additionally, having some snacks or light food can enhance your tasting experience and prevent the effects of alcohol from setting in too quickly.
Bonus Tip: Practice Moderation
It’s easy to get carried away, especially at a winery with numerous wines to try. To fully appreciate each wine, take small sips and consider using a spittoon if available. This allows you to maintain your palate’s sensitivity and enjoy the experience for longer.
Before you know it, you’ll be speaking in haikus about tannins and terroir, sipping and swirling, and uncovering the mysteries of the wine universe. Cheers!
Yay Paso Robles Wine Country!