Wine tasting is an indulgent experience that engages all of our senses, from the moment the bottle is opened, to the aroma that it emits, and the taste on our tongues. The sensorial experience of wine tasting, which includes the appearance, aromas, and taste, can seem daunting, especially for non-professional wine drinkers. But don't let that stop you from enjoying your glass of wine like a pro. With some basic principles and guidelines, anyone can maximise the experience of wine tasting.
The sensorial experience of wine tasting
Appearance
The appearance of a wine can provide valuable clues to its taste and quality. By observing the colour of the wine, you can have a rough idea of the grape variety, region, and age of the wine. A young white wine, for example, will have a pale yellow colour, whereas an older white wine will have a deeper golden tint. A young red wine will be brilliant and vivid in colour, whereas an aged red wine will be darker and more complicated.
Aside from the colour, you can also look at the wine's clarity and viscosity, which alludes to its thickness. More is revealed by the appearance of wine. It is, in reality, an important indicator of the wine's quality. In general, a well-made wine should be clear and bright in colour. If the wine is dull or hazy, it’s possible that it contains flaws.
Aroma
The aroma of wine is one of the most enjoyable parts of wine tasting. The aroma of a wine can tell us a lot about its origin, winemaking process, evolution, and grape variety. To assess the fragrance, swirl the wine in the glass to release the volatile compounds. Then, give it a brief sniff to check for flaws like cork taint or oxidation. Finally, take a deeper sniff to determine the aromas of the wine.
Wines can have a wide variety of aromas, ranging from fruity and floral to earthy and spicy. For example, a Chardonnay might have aromas of apple, pear, and vanilla, while a Pinot Noir might have aromas of strawberry, cherry, and spice. The aroma of the wine is essential in identifying its character and can give us a sense of what we can expect when we taste it.
Taste
Finally, we arrive at the most important aspect of the wine tasting experience: the flavour. The spectrum of wine flavour is covered by different regions of the tongue. On the palate, you can experience the wine's sweetness, acidity, tannins, body, flavour intensity, and complexity.
The key to a delicious wine is equilibrium. The balance of all elements of taste is critical. High acidity can make the wine taste tart or sour, while the lack of acidity can make the wine taste flat or dull. Tannins, which are found in red wines and can produce a dry or astringent sensation in the mouth, help to build the structure of the wine. Tannins are frequently characterised as causing "fuzziness" on the tongue.
The weight and texture of the wine on the tongue are referred to as its body. A full-bodied wine feels opulent and bold, whereas a light-bodied wine feels light and refreshing. Finally, the flavour intensity is the wine's most direct taste. Is it too watery and simple? Or does it provide a pleasant combination of taste with different layers of flavour?
Aspects that influence the sensorial experience of wine tasting
Wine tasting is an exhilarating experience that engages all our senses. It's not just about the wine itself, but also the how and what to drink it with that can make all the difference. To enhance the sensorial experience, it's essential to take into account these factors when serving wine.
Serving temperature and glassware
Temperature is a critical element when it comes to wine tasting. It can make or break the wine's aroma and taste. Serving a wine too cold can numb its flavours and aromas, while serving it too warm can make it taste dull. Typically, white wines are served chilled, and red wines at room temperature. However, it's worth noting that some wines, such as a light-bodied red, can benefit from being served slightly chilled to bring out its fruity aromas and flavours.
The shape and size of the wine glass also play a crucial role in wine tasting. The shape can affect the aroma, taste and texture of the wine. A glass with a narrow opening can concentrate the aroma, while a wider opening allows it to spread freely. The size of the glass can also influence the wine's taste and texture. A larger glass can let more air come into contact with the wine, enhancing its flavours and texture. Furthermore, the shape of the glass can impact how the wine flows onto the tongue, which can affect its taste and texture.
Wine and food pairing
Pairing wine with the right food can elevate your sensorial experience and create a perfect harmony of flavours. The right combination of food and wine can bring out the best in both. Just like eating an orange after brushing your teeth can make it taste sour, A poorly matched pairing can make a wine taste unpleasant or mediocre. Pairing a bold red wine with a fatty steak can create a perfect balance of flavours, where the tannins in the wine can cut through the fat in the steak, enhancing its flavour.
Pairing wine with contrasting flavours can create a unique taste sensation. The interplay of sweet and savoury or spicy and mild can create a perfect balance of flavours. For instance, pairing a sweet dessert wine with salty blue cheese can create a perfect balance of flavours, where the sweetness of the wine offsets the saltiness of the cheese.
The texture of food can also affect the sensorial experience of wine tasting. Pairing a wine that complements the texture of the food can enhance the overall experience. For instance, pairing a creamy and rich pasta dish with a buttery Chardonnay can create a perfect balance of textures, where the creaminess of the pasta is complemented by the buttery texture of the wine.
By serving the wine in the right way and pairing it with the right food, you can discover new and exciting taste sensations that take your wine tasting experience to a whole new level. Wine tasting is not just about drinking wine; it's a journey that engages all your senses, creating unforgettable memories that last a lifetime.
Looking for a place to begin?
At The Secret Vine, we cultivate the best wines from around the world and send them straight to your doorsteps. We aim to break down the intimidating walls of the wine world so that everyone can enjoy a sip of the best quality wines at the comfort of their own homes. Explore our selections in our shop here today to broaden your horizons. Click here to read more about what we do.
