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Yet, the core practice of professional tasting is not about pretension—it’s a structured method to fully understand and appreciate what’s in your glass. By learning the sommelier’s approach, you can unlock deeper enjoyment from every bottle. Here is a step-by-step
Yet, the core practice of professional tasting is not about pretension—it’s a structured method to fully understand and appreciate what’s in your glass. By learning the sommelier’s approach, you can unlock deeper enjoyment from every bottle. Here is a step-by-step guide to tasting wine with purpose and confidence.
The Five S’s of Wine Tasting
Sommeliers often follow a simple five-step process: See, Swirl, Sniff, Sip, and Savor.
1. See: Observe the Wine
Pour a modest amount (about two ounces) into a clear, stemmed glass. Tilt it against a white background and observe.
* Color & Hue: Is the white wine pale lemon, deep gold, or somewhere in between? Is the red wine ruby, garnet, or tawny? Color can hint at age, grape variety, and winemaking style.
* Clarity & Viscosity: Is the wine clear or hazy? Look at the “legs” or “tears” that form when you swirl—thicker, slower-moving legs can suggest higher alcohol or sugar content.
2. Swirl: Unleash the Aromas
Gently swirl the wine in your glass. This isn’t for show; it increases the wine’s surface area, vaporizing the aromatic compounds and sending them toward your nose.
3. Sniff: Identify the Aromas
Place your nose into the glass and take a short, sharp sniff, then a longer, deeper one. Don’t just say “it smells like wine.” Be specific.
* Fruit: What kind? Red berries, black cherries, citrus, or tropical fruit?
* Floral/Herbal: Rose, violet, lavender, grass, or mint?
* Earth & Spice: Wet leaves, mushroom, black pepper, vanilla, or baking spices?
* Oak: Does it smell like toast, cedar, coconut, or smoke?
This “nose” of the wine is where a huge percentage of flavor perception happens.
4. Sip: Analyze the Taste
Take a medium-sized sip. Let the wine coat your entire palate. Don’t swallow immediately.
* Sweetness: Is it bone-dry, off-dry, or sweet? Focus on the tip of your tongue.
* Acidity: Does it make your mouth water? High acidity feels crisp and refreshing (think lemon juice).
* Tannin: For red wines, do you feel a drying, grippy sensation on your gums and cheeks? This comes from grape skins and oak.
* Alcohol: Does it feel warming in your throat?
* Body: Is the texture light (like skim milk), medium (like whole milk), or full-bodied (like cream)?
* Flavor Profile: Do the flavors you smelled now appear on your palate? Do new ones emerge?
5. Savor: Consider the Finish
Swallow (or, if at a formal tasting, discreetly spit). Pay attention to the finish—how long the pleasant flavors linger after the wine is gone. A long, complex finish is a hallmark of a high-quality wine.
Forming an Assessment
After going through the steps, ask yourself: Is the wine in balance? Do the acidity, tannin, alcohol, and fruit work in harmony, or does one element overpower the rest? What is the overall character—elegant and delicate, or powerful and bold?
Most importantly, decide what *you* think. Do you enjoy it? Your personal preference is the ultimate judge. The sommelier’s method simply gives you the vocabulary and framework to understand *why* you like it.
Pro Tips to Elevate Your Practice
* Use the Right Glass: A standard tulip-shaped wine glass that curves inward at the top is perfect for concentrating aromas.
* Serve at Proper Temperature: Whites and sparkling wines are often served too cold, muting their flavors. Light reds can be slightly chilled. A good rule of thumb: fridge-cold is usually too cold for most wines.
* Pair with Food: Try the wine alone first, then with a bite of food. See how the interaction changes both the wine and the dish.
* Take Notes: Jot down a few keywords for each wine you try. It will train your memory and help you identify your preferences over time.
* Practice Mindfully: The more you taste with intention, the more you will notice. Compare two different wines side-by-side to highlight their differences.
Tasting like a sommelier is not about finding a “correct” answer. It’s a journey of mindful exploration that transforms a simple drink into a multi-sensory experience. By slowing down and engaging your sight, smell, and taste, you will discover more complexity, make more informed purchases, and ultimately, derive far greater pleasure from every bottle you open. Cheers to your next glass
