How to Be a Wine Taster Like a Professional

Wine tasting is an art, and takes a little practice to taste wine like a pro, however, there are certain steps that wine tasters take in order to get the full wine experience.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. SWIRL
   When your glass of wine has been poured, the first thing you do is swirl it around the glass. When you do this, the wine breathes, which heightens the aroma, sometimes called “the rose” of the wine.

2. OBSERVE
   Tilt your wine glass back in order to look at the color of the wine. White wines will have a color that could go anywhere from crystal clear to, to golden, or even amber color. For red wine you will look for clarity. Syrahs, Pinot Noirs and Merlot should have clear reds coloring whereas Zinfandels and Cabernet Sauvignons should be more of a deep ruby to purplish hue. If the wine is light, it is usually considered light bodied. When it is darker, it is more heavy or full bodied.

3. SMELL
   Smelling the wine helps you to determine the character of the wine. Give the wine the “sniff” test. Whites might be fruity or floral. Some even have an earthy smell. Red wine may smell like spices, earth, leather or berries. The array of scents is wide and varied.

4. SIP
   Taking a small drink and doing the swirl is the most enjoyable part of wine tasting. Take a small mouthful and swirl to get the full taste.

5. AFTERWORD
   After you swallow the wine, take note of the aftertaste. Is it sweet, bitter? Do you like it, or not.

6. CHAT
   Talk to other tasters and get their opinion. Compare ideas and tastes, but make your own decisions. Wine tasting is an individual experience that can be savored and enjoyed by those who participate. If you follow all of these steps, you will be a wine taster like a professional in no time.

[woot]

on 2/26/2009 Thanks. My husband is really experienced in wine tasting, and I'd like to try to catch up with him a little!