How to Taste Wine!

No beverage on earth is more interesting or stimulating than a glass of good wine.  By assessing the colour, smell, taste, and texture of a wine it is possible to discern its journey from vineyard to table.  A glass of wine is a tiny ocean of secrets, and it only requires a small amount of knowledge to begin unlocking its mystery.  Wine appreciation is not only reserved for the trained connoisseurs.  Everyone can enhance their enjoyment of wine regardless of experience or budget.  The following techniques will assist the beginner in understanding the different aspects of wine and how the winemaking process produces individual character traits in each wine variety.

When tasting wine it is essential to serve it in the correct glass to capture its aroma and direct it toward the nose.  A stemmed wine glass that is slightly wider at the bottom and tapers up into a tulip shape is perfect for the task.  Wine should be poured only up to the point where the glass begins to curve inwards.  This is so the wine can be swirled to let oxygen in and release its hidden flavours.  It is possible to guess the approximate age of a wine from its colour.  Red wines start life as a deep purple shade and will gradually turn to a brick-red colour as they gain maturity.  The colour will also give a clue as to the grape variety.  Red grapes such as the notoriously difficult to grow Pinot Noir produce a very pale opaque wine due to the skin of the grape being very thin.  At the opposite end of the red wine spectrum is the Syrah, also known as Shiraz, which has an inky black colour.

White wines tend to do the opposite and will gradually start to darken as they age.  Young white wines have a fairly pale, almost straw-like hue, which will turn to a deep amber shade as they mature.  The colour of white wine can also indicate the fermentation process used in its creation. White wine that is fermented in oak barrels will display a pale lemon colour.  The same wine fermented in stainless steel tanks, then left to mature in oak, will have a more intense amber shade.  Wine can be matured in the bottle or sealed in oak barrels to give more complexity to the flavour, and an oaked white wine will generally have a darker colour.  Grape variety also has an influence on the colour of the wine.  Chardonnay, which is actually one of the types of planted grape and one of the most widely planted varieties in the world, and wine made from Chardonnay grapes will usually have a much darker colour than wine produced from Sauvignon Blanc grapes.

Many people despair when they are unable to identify the different aromas of wine at first, but over time this ability will become second nature as the nose can be trained to detect subtle aromas.  Before smelling the wine it is important to swirl it around the glass for at least ten seconds to release the different scents.  By placing the glass under the nose and inhaling deeply the primary aromas will start to indicate the wine’s age.  Primary aromas are the floral and fruity scents that are derived directly from the grape itself and are detectable as soon as the wine is poured.  Not all wines are produced with maturation in mind, and those with a fresh citrus aroma are young wines that have retained their freshness.   Pinot Gris is an example of a wine that is generally enjoyed while it is still young, and this variety has become very popular among young wine drinkers for its refreshing, fruity taste.  Floral scents such as rose, honeysuckle, and fresh cut grass are commonly experienced from younger wines, and many people report fruity aromas such as green apples, pineapple, and lychee.  By placing a hand underneath the bowel of the glass to gently warm the wine it will start to release its secondary aromas.  These hidden scents are present in wine that has been left to mature either in the bottle or in oak barrels.  Wine that has aged will have earthy, chocolaty scents that add depth and complexity to the wine.  If the wine has been aged in oak it will release smoky, spicy aromas and have a creamy, almost butter-like texture.

Once the different aromas have been identified it is a common mistake to expect to experience these flavours on the tongue.  Much of the enjoyment of wine is received through its smell, and even when in the mouth the aromas will still rise into the upper airways.  The taste buds will often register completely different flavours to those expected, and this is part of the complex nature of quality wine.  After taking a mouthful of wine let it travel over the tongue and hold it gently in the mouth.  This is to gauge the body of the wine which is the weight and feel of it when in the mouth.  It is also helpful to purse the lips and suck in a little air to release its aromas.  If more than one wine is to be tasted then it is essential to spit out each wine after tasting.  Not only is this necessary to remain vertical it is also important to allow the different wines to register on the palate.  Once the wine has left the mouth the amount of time the taste remains on the tongue is referred to as the length.  A taste that lingers in the mouth is a sign of a high quality wine.

These techniques are just a small example of those used by sommeliers and experienced wine enthusiasts.  The world of wine tasting has many different opinions as to the correct method to evaluate wine, and the process is constantly evolving.  Wine has a rich, illustrious history and has played an important role in the cultures of many different countries and religions.   For those wishing to expand their knowledge of wine there are thousands of destinations that offer wine tasting, and many travel agents will incorporate it as part of a vacation itinerary.  Whether a wine tasting is held in a remote Mediterranean vineyard high up in the mountains, or simply at home with friends and family, a little knowledge and understanding goes a long way to enhancing its enjoyment.

Author Bio: D. Offer of the Facebook Windows tool, Chit Chat, writes. This Facebook Messaging app makes it possible to access Facebook chat from the convenience of your desktop whether at work, home or at school.