Wine tasting is an art that can be learned by anyone with an interest in the subject. Whether you are a wine enthusiast or a novice, understanding wine flavours and aromas is essential to fully appreciate the complexities of this beloved beverage. 

Tips for Evaluating Wine Like a Pro

Start with a Clean Palate

Before you start evaluating a wine, it's important to have a clean palate. Avoid eating anything too flavourful or spicy before tasting wine, as it can affect your ability to taste and smell the wine accurately. You can also cleanse your palate with a piece of bread or plain water before tasting wine.

Look at the Wine's Colour

The colour of wine can provide a lot of information about the wine, such as its age, grape variety, and winemaking techniques. Reds can range from light pink to deep purple, while whites can range from pale yellow to golden. When evaluating the colour of a wine, hold it up to a light source to see its clarity and intensity.

Smell the Wine's Aroma

The aroma of wine can reveal a lot about its flavour and origin. To evaluate the aroma of wine, swirl the glass to release the wine's aromas, and then take a sniff. Some common aromas in wine include fruit, flowers, spices, and oak. You can also detect faults in wine, such as a musty or corky smell, which can indicate that the wine has been affected by a flaw or spoilage.

Evaluate the Wine's Acidity

Acidity is an important component of wine, as it provide information balance and structure to the wine. The acidity of wine can range from low to high, and can be detected by the sharpness or tartness of the wine. A wine with too much acidity can taste sour or sharp, while a wine with too little acidity can taste flat or dull.

Savour the Wine's Flavour

The flavour of wine is a combination of its taste and aroma, and can vary depending on the grape variety, winemaking techniques, and ageing process. To evaluate the flavour of wine, take a small sip and hold it in your mouth for a few seconds to allow the wine to coat your palate. Some common flavours in wine include fruit, spice, oak, and earthy or mineral notes. You can also detect the wine's sweetness, acidity, tannins, and alcohol content.

Assess the Wine's Body

The body of wine refers to the weight and texture of wine in your mouth. Light-bodied wines feel thin and crisp, while full-bodied wines feel heavy and rich. The body of wine can be influenced by factors such as grape variety, climate, and winemaking techniques.

Evaluate the Wine's Finish

The finish of wine refers to the aftertaste that lingers in your mouth after you swallow. A long and complex finish can indicate a high-quality wine, while a short and simple finish can indicate a lower-quality wine. The length and intensity of the finish can also provide information about the ageing and winemaking process of the wine.

Understand the Characteristics of Different Wines

To evaluate wine like a pro, it's important to understand the characteristics of different wines. For example, red wines tend to have more tannins than white wines, which can create a drying sensation in your mouth. Different grape varieties also have their own unique characteristics, such as the spicy and peppery notes found in Syrah/Shiraz or the floral and citrus notes found in Riesling.

Use the Right Glassware

The shape of the glass can influence how the wine smells and tastes. A tulip-shaped glass can help release the wine's aroma, while a narrower mouth can help concentrate the aroma. A wider bowl can help aerate the wine, allowing it to breathe and release its flavours.

Consider Food Pairings

Wine is often enjoyed with food, and the right pairing can elevate both the wine and the food. When evaluating wine, consider what foods would complement the wine's flavours and aromas. For example, a full-bodied red wine may pair well with a juicy steak, while a crisp white wine may pair well with seafood.

Evaluate Wine Like a Pro

Wine tasting is a skill that can be learned with practice and patience. By using all of your senses to evaluate a wine's appearance, aroma, taste, and finish, you can develop your palate and learn to appreciate the nuances of different wines. 

Additionally, by understanding the characteristics of wine, you can make informed decisions when purchasing wine and pairing it with food. Finally, by finding the best wine distributors, you can access a wide selection of wines at various price points and continue to explore the world of wine.