Not sure how to taste wine?
How to taste wine with Gather Yarra Valley. Off on a winery tour and not sure how to taste the wine? Don’t worry, you’re not alone!
Have you ever seen people sniffing wine and wondered why? You have to admit, it does look pretty weird!
Good News! It’s actually not that difficult. Check out our tips below.
Wine tasting can be a fun and enjoyable experience, whether you are a seasoned wine connoisseur or a beginner. If you are going on a winery tour, you will likely have the opportunity to taste a variety of wines, which can be overwhelming if you are not familiar with the process of wine tasting. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips on how to taste wine to get the most out of your winery tour. #fakeittilyoumakeit!
1. Look at the wine – It might talk back to you!
The first step in wine tasting is to look at the wine. Hold the glass up to the light and observe the colour and clarity of the wine. The colour can give you an idea of the wine’s age and grape variety. For example, a deep red colour may indicate a full-bodied red wine, while a pale yellow colour may indicate a light white wine. The clarity of the wine can also give you an idea of its quality. A clear wine with no sediment or cloudiness as general rule, is a sign of a well-made wine.
2. Smell the wine
The next step is to smell the wine. Swirl the glass to release the aromas and stick your nose into the glass. Take a deep breath and try to identify the different aromas. Wine aromas can range from fruity to floral to earthy. Some common aromas in red wine include blackberry, cherry, and vanilla, while white wines can have aromas of citrus, peach, and green apple. Smelling the wine can give you an idea of its complexity and flavour profile.
3. Taste the wine – an important step!
Now it’s time to taste the wine. Take a small sip and let it sit on your tongue for a few seconds. Swirl the wine around your mouth to coat your taste buds and try to identify the different flavours. The taste of the wine can vary depending on the grape variety, region, and winemaking techniques. Some common flavours in red wine include black cherry, plum, and chocolate, while white wines can have flavours of lemon, honey, and melon. Pay attention to the texture of the wine as well, as this can give you an idea of its body and tannins. Don’t stress if all you taste is wine, it can take time to build up an understanding of the ingredients. Also, if you have had a few tastings already, have some water to help cleanse your pallet. Sometimes the second sip will give you a better experience.
4. Evaluate the wine
After you have tasted the wine, take a moment to evaluate it. Consider the wine’s balance, complexity, and length. Balance refers to how well the different components of the wine, such as acidity, tannins, and alcohol, work together. Complexity refers to the number of different flavours and aromas in the wine. Length refers to how long the flavours and aromas linger in your mouth after you have swallowed the wine. A well-balanced wine with complex flavours and a long finish is generally considered to be of high quality.
5. Take notes
If you are tasting multiple wines, it can be helpful to take notes on each wine to keep track of your favourites. Record the name of the wine, the winery, the grape variety (type of wine), and any tasting notes you have. This can help you remember which wines you enjoyed the most and make it easier to purchase them later on. Don’t want to take a note pad – No worries. Check out these 2 app recommendations from Sommwine .
6. Don’t be afraid to ask questions
If you are unsure about any aspect of the wine tasting process or have questions about the wine, don’t be afraid to ask the staff at the winery. They are there to help you and are often very knowledgeable about the wines they produce. They can provide you with information about the winemaking process, the grape varieties used, and the history of the winery. Often wines are blends of different grape varieties so if you find yourself confused by a taste, don’t hesitate to ask about the wine.
In conclusion, wine tasting can be a fun and educational experience, especially if you are going on a winery tour. By following these tips, you can get the most out of your wine tasting experience and develop a greater appreciation for wine. Remember to look at the wine, smell the wine, taste the wine, evaluate the wine, take notes, and ask questions. Cheers to a great wine tasting experience!
Join Gather Yarra Valley for your wine tasting experiences! Looking for Yarra Valley Tours? CONTACT our friendly team today for wine tour Yarra Valley like no other! We provide group winery tours, corporate tours, public daily winery tours and more.
