Wine tasting is an art that requires refined senses and a well-trained palette. Whether you are a novice wine lover or already have some experience, there are always ways to improve your skills.. In this blog, we take you through the steps you can follow to taste wine like a true professional.
Step 1: Preparation
The Right Glassware
It all starts with the right glass. Professional wine tasters use glasses with a tulip-shaped design. This shape helps concentrate the wine’s aromas, making it easier to smell them.
The Environment
Provide a quiet and odor-free environment. Strong smells of food, perfume or candles can interfere with the experience.
The Coolenator
An important aspect of wine tasting is the temperature of the wine. The Coolenator is perfect for keeping your wine at the right temperature without having to deal with condensation or temperature changes. This innovative device ensures that both white and red wines maintain their optimal serving temperature, giving you the best taste experience. Moreover, its use is simple and stylish, adding a professional touch to your wine tasting.
Step 2: Visual Inspection
Color and Brightness
Hold the glass against a white background and observe the color and clarity of the wine. White wines can range from pale yellow to gold, while reds range from pale red to deep purple. The clarity can tell something about the age and quality of the wine.
Viscosity
Swirl the wine in the glass and observe the “tears” or “legs” running down the side. These can give an indication of alcohol and sugar content.
Step 3: Smell
First Nose
Smell the wine first without swirling. This gives you a first impression of the light and volatile aromas.
Second Nose
Swirl the wine in the glass to bring oxygen into the wine, which helps release the aromas. Then smell again and try to identify the different layers of aromas. Think fruity, floral, spicy or woody scents.
Step 4: Tasting
First Taste
Take a small sip and let the wine roll through your mouth. Notice the first flavors you taste. Are they sweet, sour, bitter or salty?
Mouth feel
Pay attention to the mouthfeel of the wine. Is it light, medium or full-bodied? Is it soft or tannic? Tannins can give a dry, stiff feeling in the mouth and are common in red wines.
Complexity and Balance
A good wine has a balance of acid, sweet, alcohol and tannins. Try to determine how well these elements are balanced. Complexity refers to the presence of multiple flavors and aromas that develop as you taste the wine.
Aftertaste
The aftertaste, or aftertaste, is how long the taste of the wine lingers after you swallow. A long, pleasant finish is often a sign of a quality wine.
Step 5: Evaluation and Notes
Professional wine tasters take detailed notes to record their findings. This helps not only to support your memory, but also to recognize patterns in the wines you appreciate most.
What Do You Record?
- Color and brightness
- Aromas (fruit, floral, herbal, wood, etc.)
- Flavor profile (sweet, sour, bitter, salty)
- Mouthfeel (light, medium, full, tannins)
- Balance and complexity
- Aftertaste (duration and quality)
In conclusion
Tasting wine like a professional is not only about technique, but also about enjoyment and discovery. Each bottle of wine tells a story of the terroir, climate and passion of the winemaker. By tasting intently and training your senses, you can understand and appreciate those stories more and more. With tools like the Coolenator, which helps you maintain the perfect temperature, take your wine tasting to the next level. Cheers to your journey into the world of wine!
