Wine tasting

Wine tasting is the sensory examination and evaluation of wine. While the practice of wine tasting is as old as its production, a more formalized methodology has slowly become established from the 14th century onwards. Modern, professional wine tasters (such as sommeliers or buyers for retailers) use a constantly evolving specialized terminology which is used to describe the range of perceived flavors, aromas and general characteristics of a wine.

History

The history of wine is nearly as old as that of humanity itself. Since ancient times, people have consumed wine, appreciated its unique flavors, and speculated on its many qualities. The formal practice of wine tasting, however, is a relatively recent phenomenon in the long history of this beverage, with the first recorded wine tasting event dating back to the 14th century in London, England.

Process

The process of wine tasting follows a fixed sequence: look, smell, taste, and think. The taster first takes time to examine the color of the wine, and clarity, by holding the glass up to a light source and noting the depth of color from the rim to the center of the glass. Next, the taster smells the wine to identify aromas. This can be done in two stages, first by sniffing the wine gently and then by taking a deep inhale through the nose. The taster then takes a small amount of wine into the mouth but does not swallow it immediately. Instead, they let it linger in the mouth before swallowing. This allows the taster to identify the taste structures (sweet, sour, salty, bitter) and flavors derived from fruit, spices, and other elements.

Wine tasting terms

There are many terms that wine tasters use to describe what they smell and taste. These can range from common fruits, such as apple and cherry, to more complex descriptions like tobacco, clove, and mocha. The most common terms are fruit, earth, wood, and other flavors.

Wine tasting events

Wine tasting events are often social occasions, where participants use the event to socialize, learn about wine, and compare their personal tastes with those of others. These events can be organized in a variety of settings, including wineries, wine shops, restaurants, and private homes.

See also

• Wine
• Sommelier
• Wine and food pairing
• Wine cellar
• Wine fraud
• Wine law
• Wine accessory