For most of us who enjoy a great glass of wine with dinner, just liking the taste of the wine is enough. You don't need to be an expert or even take a course on this topic. However, if you want a little sophistication in your experience, it's worth learning where to start, how to proceed, and what to look out for.
Learning to be a better taster is easier than you think and can be fun. And while some aspects of tasting are subjective, there are some objective traits used to categorize wine styles. You can consider the best wine sommelier study if you want to become a wine tasting professional.
Start with your eyes to get a closer look at the color of the wine. White wines range from almost clear to almost golden in color. Ripening and barrels darken white wine for a period of time. Another visual quality of wine is its viscosity or body. Since alcohol and sugar make the wine look denser, more "legs" will indicate a fuller, richer mouthfeel as the wine flows down the walls of the glass.
To maximize the aroma, twist the wine in the glass, close your eyes, and smell. The sense of smell is the most important part of tasting before, during, and after each sip. Experts classify wine scents into three main groups, which include fruity scents, earthy scents, and woody notes.
The tongue helps identify tastes and sensations in the mouth. You should allow the wine to come into contact with every surface of your mouth. The tip of the tongue detects a dry or sweet taste. Inhale after swallowing to assess the aroma to a more specific taste.
Finally, pay attention to the finishing, because a quality wine will echo on the palate a few minutes after being enjoyed. The long finish is a special feature of this great wine.