Spitting out wine during tasting: Advantages and disadvantages of this oenological practice
Wine tasting is a subtle art that requires practice and technique. As wine enthusiasts, we have often wondered about the need to spit out wine during a tasting session. This practice, although controversial, has undeniable advantages for amateurs and professionals alike. Let's explore the different aspects of this oenological technique together.
Reasons for spitting wine: an essential practice
Spitting out wine may seem counterintuitive, even sacrilegious to some. However, this practice is essential in certain circumstances , particularly during intensive tastings. Indeed, it is not uncommon to taste more than 100 different vintages in a single day at professional events or trade shows.
The main purpose of spitting wine is to preserve its sensory capabilities throughout the tasting. The alcohol contained in wine can quickly alter our judgment and perception of aromas if we systematically swallow it. By spitting, we allow our taste buds and brain to remain alert, thus ensuring a more precise and objective analysis of each sample.
It is important to note that tasting focuses primarily on olfactory and taste sensations. Contrary to what one might think, swallowing the wine does not provide any significant additional information . In reality, retro-olfaction (perception of aromas through the retronasal route) is often more intense when the wine is spat out.
Technique and Etiquette: The Art of Spitting with Elegance
Spitting out wine is not a natural gesture and may seem inelegant at first. However, with practice, it is possible to master this technique discreetly. Here are some tips to perfect your technique:
- Bring the spittoon closer to your mouth rather than aiming from a distance.
- Gather the liquid at the front of your mouth, behind your teeth
- Expel the wine in one go, blowing lightly.
- Practice at home, for example when brushing your teeth
As experienced sommeliers, we have found that mastering this technique not only helps you avoid annoying splashes, but also helps you feel more comfortable during professional tastings. Don't hesitate to practice regularly to gain confidence.
Advantages and disadvantages of spitting wine
Like any practice, spitting wine has advantages and disadvantages that are useful to weigh. Here is a summary table to help you see things more clearly:
| Benefits | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Preservation of sensory capacities | Feeling of waste for some amateurs |
| Possibility to taste a large number of wines | Fear of upsetting the winegrower |
| Better perception of aromas by retro-olfaction | Gesture sometimes perceived as inelegant. |
| Avoids getting drunk during intensive tastings | Requires technical training |
It is essential to note that according to a study conducted in 2019 by the French Institute of Vine and Wine, 78% of professionals in the sector consider spitting to be an essential practice during blind tastings.
When to spit and when to savor?
While spitting is an essential technique for professional tastings, it is not always necessary or desirable to spit out wine. As wine enthusiasts, we have learned to distinguish between situations where spitting is appropriate and those where it is better to fully savor the nectar.
Here are some situations where spitting is recommended:
- During professional tastings or trade fairs
- During learning and training sessions
- When you have to drive after tasting
- When you taste a lot of different wines
On the other hand, during meals with friends, recreational tastings or when you want to fully appreciate an exceptional wine, it is quite acceptable and even recommended to swallow it. The important thing is to find the right balance between sensory analysis and taste pleasure .
Ultimately, the decision to spit out wine depends on the context, your goals, and your personal experience. Regardless of your approach, remember that wine tasting is, above all, an enriching sensory experience that deserves to be fully experienced and appreciated.
