With over 12,088,301 bottles of wine consumed each day in the US, there’s no doubt that American affinity for wine is on the rise. But that doesn’t mean that finding good wines and learning how to appreciate them has gotten any easier.
From adulterating to a variety of complex issues, there is every reason to think that a lot of the wine on the shelf today isn’t the genuine article. So how do you make sure that when you buy a bottle of wine, it will taste authentic?
We’re glad you asked. Keep reading for our five best tips for any wine tasting for beginners!
1. Learn How to See the Wine First
The primary focus of wine tasting at wine tasting events is to look, smell and taste the wine to obtain a better understanding of the beverage. By examining the visual characteristics of the wine, the taster will have the opportunity to assess the color, hue, and clarity of the wine and how to describe wine. This will give insight into the body and flavors of the wine.
2. Swirl The Wine
Wine tasting can be intimidating for those that are new to it. Swirling the wine before smelling is an important step to learn in the wine-tasting process. Swirling aerates and releases the aroma of the wine. This of which can help you identify notes of the wine as you taste it.
When swirling, it is important to swirl the glass gently and not vigorously. The purpose is not to create a vortex or get it to foam.
3. Smell the Wine
Aroma and flavor are two major components of a wine’s overall flavor profile. Smelling the wine before sipping allows one to pick up subtle nuances that would be missed if one only focused on the overall flavor of the wine.
The smelling of the wine also helps to prime one’s palate so that one can note any differences between the aroma and the actual flavor. Smelling the wine also allows one to identify acidic and tannic qualities, as well as any other aromas that may be present.
4. Sip the Wine
In wine tasting, it is important to do it in a careful and deliberate manner. The best way to do so is to sip the wine slowly. Taking small sips gives your taste buds a chance to recognize all the subtle nuances and aromas in the wine.
It also allows your palate to adjust and form an impression of the entire flavor profile. Taking your time while tasting and savoring each sip will help you recognize different flavors and characteristics in the wine, formulating a more complete picture of the wine’s taste.
5. Savor the Taste
Wine tasting encourages beginners to take their time and savor the flavor, which can provide a unique perspective each time. This allows beginners to develop a more refined and accurate palette and enjoy the differences between each wine.
Therefore, novice wine tasters should never be intimidated by their lack of experience; wine tasting remains an accessible and affordable way to learn about the vast array of wines out there.
Follow These Tips for Wine Tasting for Beginners
Overall, wine tasting is an incredibly fun, easy, and rewarding activity. Remember that invitation and approachability is key – enjoy each sip and never be afraid to ask questions. Have fun experimenting and trying different types of wines, as every experience can teach you something new.
Start today and embrace the wonderful journey of discovering wines by following these tips for wine tasting for beginners.
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