How to learn to taste wine like an expert?
Wine tasting is more than just a matter of taste; it is an art that allows you to appreciate every subtlety of the wine, from its bouquet to its texture, including its color and structure. Understanding and analyzing the different characteristics of a wine also means understanding the story it tells: its terroir, its grape variety, its aging. If you want to explore the world of wine like an expert, all you need to do is follow a simple method that calls on several senses. Here are the key steps to mastering tasting and savoring each wine at its true value.
Take part in wine tasting experiences
To improve, there is nothing like practice. Tasting regularly, whether at home or during workshops in cellars and estates, is essential to develop your skills. Participating in wine tourism allows you to discover new wines while improving your skills. Participating in a tasting is also an opportunity to meet passionate winemakers and learn anecdotes about winemaking techniques. To start, consider taking part in wine experiences that will immerse you in this fascinating world.
Step 1: Visual examination – Understanding the color of the wine
The first step in tasting is to observe the wine's hue , that is, its color and brightness. The hue of a wine gives valuable clues about its age, grape variety, and even its condition. For example, young white wines often have green highlights, while older wines adopt amber hues. For red wines, young wines tend towards intense purple colors, while older wines can tend towards brick red.
Also observe the tears that flow down the sides of the glass: they often reveal the alcohol or sugar content of the wine. The thicker and slower they are to descend, the richer the wine is in alcohol or sugar.
Step 2: The olfactory examination – Deciphering the aromas
The nose is one of the most used senses when tasting wine. When first approached, we speak of the " first nose ", where we detect the primary aromas of the wine, often fruity, floral, vegetal or spicy.
Then, after swirling the wine in the glass to aerate it, the “ second nose ” reveals more complex aromas, linked to fermentation or aging, such as woody, toasted notes or even touches of dried fruits and vanilla. This rotation of the wine releases the hidden aromas and enriches the olfactory experience.
Step 3: The Taste Test – The Mouth Experience
Tasting in the mouth is the step that allows you to really feel the texture and structure of the wine. This analysis is divided into three phases:
- The attack : first impressions
- evolution : flavors that develop
- the finale : the aromatic persistence after swallowing
The importance of the environment when tasting
The environment plays a key role for an optimal tasting. It is essential to be in a well-lit room, preferably with natural light, and to avoid any perfume or external odor that could interfere with the smell of the wine.
Serving temperature is crucial. A wine served too cold will mask its flavors, while a wine served too warm will accentuate the alcohol. Here are some tips:
- Light white wines: 8-10°C
- Full-bodied white wines: 10-12°C
- Light red wines: 14-16°C
- Tannic red wines: 16-18°C
Conclusion
Learning to taste wine takes attention and practice, but each step—the sight, smell, and taste—offers a unique opportunity to understand and appreciate what makes each wine special. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced wine enthusiast, each tasting introduces you to a new facet of wine.
