How to Use a Wine Prism
You probably know that allowing wine to "breathe" intensifies its flavor. That's because the chemical compounds in wine unfold when exposed to the air. For tasting the full range of a great wine's potential, however, use a special tool called a Wine Prism.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
Recognize the importance of volatilizing a wine. When properly mixed with air, the chemical components of wine become volatile, like the instruments of a symphony orchestra tuning up. That's why wine experts gently rotate wine in a glass before breathing in the bouquet--and why they make those strange noises when trying to suck in the right amount of air while letting that first sip hit the palate.
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2
Use a Wine Prism to take your wine tasting to the next level. This tool resembling a glass straw has a small air hole near the mouth opening. Precise engineering allows the Wine Prism to volatilize each sip of wine with the correct mix of air. No more Darth Vader gasps.
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3
Slip the intake end of the Wine Prism into your tasting glass. Make sure the air intake opening is above the level of wine, and don't block it with your fingers. Use the prism like a straw and gently draw in your first sip. Let it linger on your palate.
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4
Appreciate how the Wine Prism isolates the various characteristics of the wine so you can evaluate them. Your first impression will be the wine's alcohol, released by the aeration. Then you'll taste the balance of fruit and acidity. Other notes, such as the strength of the wine's tannins and the overtones of barrel fermentation, will also emerge clearly.
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5
Freshen the Wine Prism between tastes of various wines by blowing gently into an empty glass. Rinse it with water after use, and allow to air dry.
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Tips & Warnings
To see what a difference the Wine Prism makes, first take a sip without the wine straw. Evaluate it as you normally would. Then use the Wine Prism, and notice how your tasting range has suddenly opened up.
Using the Wine Prism reveals a wine's subtle flaws as well as its good characteristics, so don't be surprised if you find yourself rejecting a wine you would have enjoyed under ordinary circumstances. Don't waste the Wine Prism on cheap or poorly made wines.
The Wine Prism is designed for use as a wine tasting tool for oenophiles or those interested in learning more about what goes into the making and appreciation of fine wines. It's not a straw. When you're drinking, not tasting, leave the Wine Prism behind.
