Pocket Sized Essential Wine Tasting Guide
The world of wine can be intimidating for those who are new to the scene. Its vast history – full of unfamiliar chateau names, extensive varietals, and misunderstood terms – can make learning the basics seem like an endless journey. This Pocket Sized Essential Wine Tasting Guide gives newcomers the tools they need to find their feet in the wine culture.
Basics
Whether you are new to wine or just want to brush up on your knowledge, there are some basics you should know. These can help you to be a more knowledgeable and informed drinker or bartender. Wine tasting is a sensory examination and evaluation of a variety of wines. Smell and taste are the two main components of wine tasting, so learning to properly identify aromas and flavors is important. Smell is the most common sense used in wine tasting, and a key part of mastering this skill is to smell the wine before you pour it into your glass. The aroma of a wine can tell you a lot about the varietal, growing region, and aging techniques. Some of the most common aromas found in a wine include fruit, floral, or herbal notes. Some of these can be attributed to the grape varieties, and other scents are derived from the fermentation process or oak treatment. When smelling a wine, start by tilting the glass and bring it up to your nose. Then, focus on the scents in your glass and think about what you are smelling. The aromas in a wine can tell you a lot of information about the varietal, growing region, aging techniques, and even the oak treatment that was used for the wine. Some people describe a wine's aroma as "oaky," while others might say it reminds them of “shop class.” Aside from identifying the aromas in a wine, the next most important component of wine tasting is observing how it tastes and how the aromas interact with your tongue. Some of the most common wine tastes include sour, sweet, bitter, and salty. For example, a wine that is too sour can make you spit it out and it could also cause your mouth to water or wince as you swallow it. On the other hand, a wine that is too sweet will leave you with an unpleasant aftertaste or a flat taste in your mouth. A few other things to note when tasting a wine are the color and opacity of the wine. A lighter wine will be clear while a heavier one will be deeper in color and more dense on the nose. Swirling a glass a couple times will also give you an idea of how the wine tastes.Varietals
There are many different varietals of wine, each offering its own unique taste, aroma and texture. Knowing a little bit about these varieties can help you decide which wines to try, and how they might pair with a meal. One of the best ways to find out what a grape variety offers is to take a tasting tour. There are many wineries across the country that offer tastings of various varietals at a small cost. A typical wine tasting includes five 2 ounce pours of different varietals. If you're able to thoroughly swirl, sniff and evaluate each of these pours, you'll be well on your way to discovering which wines you like and those you don't. Varietals are the main component of any wine and they are usually made from a single grape variety or a blend of several. Some of the more famous varietals include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. Other popular varietals are Merlot, Zinfandel and Malbec. These grapes are known for their dark fruit flavors, and oak barrel aging gives them cedar and chocolate notes as well. Some of the more specialized varieties are even referred to as "champagnes." This is because they have a high alcohol content (around 14%) and can be made in large quantities, making them perfect for entertaining. In addition to the most popular varietals, you'll find some lesser-known wines worth trying. These can be produced from any number of grapes, from red to white to sweet. The best wines are those that showcase the qualities of a particular grape and their unique traits. This is especially true of red varietals, which tend to offer the most diverse array of flavors and textures.