Wine tasting: An art accessible to all

Wine tasting is much more than an act of consumption. It is also a fascinating and enriching experience that allows you to explore the subtleties and nuances of this beverage.
As we know, wine tasting comes in three stages. At first, we observe, then we smell and finally, we taste. Here's how to become a master in the art of tasting.

The preparation and observation of wine

First of all, prepare your table and the glasses of wine in which you will taste. Do not hesitate to put a white sheet of paper in front of you to better observe the nuances of color of the wine.
The first step is observation. Use your eyes and analyze what's going on in your glass of wine. Take the stem of the glass between your fingers, turn the wine in the glass, stick it against the white sheet. Study the color, appearance (brilliance, clarity, etc.) step by step. Clues that can help you guess the grape variety(ies), the age of the wine.

The sense of smell: discovering the aromas of wine

Second step, smell the aromas of the wine! Smell your wine for the first time without stirring it, start to locate the primary aromas. Then gently swirl the wine in the glass so that it releases all the aromas. An essential step, this allows the wine to be oxygenated and therefore to release the flavors that are still closed. Inhale deeply, perceive the primary aromas (those linked to the fruit), secondary (those linked to fermentation), tertiary (those linked to breeding). The olfactory notes are just as important as the tasting to determine the provenance of the wine, its grape variety, its vintage, etc.

Tasting and swallowing

The third step, often the best, is wine tasting. Take a small sip, and slide it into your mouth, over your palate. Perceive the texture, the aromas in attack, the aromas at the end of the mouth, its length, etc…
Is it light, lively, powerful? Does it have a sweet side, or a marked acidity?
A tip, use the spittoon if you taste several wines, it will help you to keep your lucidity, for each wine. If you swallow, pay attention to the persistence of flavors in the mouth, this will give you information on the quality of the wine.

Exploration and reflection on wine

After exploring all the taste and olfactory sensations of wine, take a moment to reflect on your overall feelings about wine. Do you like its aromas and flavors?
Wine tasting is an endless adventure. Do not limit yourself to a single type of wine or a single grape variety. Broaden your criteria and try wines of different origins, from various grape varieties. Thus you will develop your own expertise and your own appreciation of wine. Make each bottle an opportunity to discover and appreciate wine treasures from around the world.
Now let your senses guide you and savor each sip with wonder! Cheers!