Learn the Basics of Wine Tasting!

Maybe you're new to the world of wine and you want to dive in taste buds first. Or perhaps you're a veteran tippler looking to brush up on your skills. Either way, learning the basics of wine tasting is a great way to get started!

When it comes to tasting wine, there are several key components that you should keep in mind. Let's go through all of them so that you can have the best experience.

Understanding Wine Varieties

The first thing you need to do when tasting wine is familiarize yourself with the wide varieties and styles of wines. Each type has its own unique characteristics, like color, flavor, and aroma. Familiarizing yourself with the different varieties will help you better understand what you are tasting to better identify notes and make assessments.

A few of the most popular wine varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.

Preparing for a Wine Tasting

You must prepare your pallet and senses for a wine tasting. Make sure you are well hydrated and have something light to eat beforehand so your palate is not overwhelmed. Your nose should also be prepped, so consider having some unscented soap or sanitizer nearby in case you need it.

Other things to consider include the temperature of the wine, which should be between 50-60°F. You'll also want to have some water and crackers nearby to cleanse your palate in between tastings.

Using the 5 S's of Wine Tasting

When it comes to actually tasting the wine, there are five key steps that you should follow. These are known as the 5 S's of wine tasting and involve Sight, Swirl, Sniff, Sip, and Savor.

• Sight: Start by looking at the color of the wine in the glass to get an idea of the variety and quality.
• Swirl: Swirl it around to help release the aromas
• Sniff: Take a deep inhale to get a sense of the bouquet and identify any flavours or aromas that you can pick up on.
• Sip: Take a small sip, but don't gulp it down! Swirl it around in your mouth so that all areas of your tongue can pick up on the taste.
• Savor: Finally, savor the flavor and finish of the wine and make notes about what you think.

Assessing Wine Quality

When assessing a wine's quality, pay attention to its color, clarity, aroma, body, tannins (if applicable), acidity, and balance. All of these factors contribute to how well the wine was made and will help you determine whether it is good quality.

Pairing Wine with Food

Finally, when selecting wines for pairing with food, look for wines that have complementary flavors that match the dish's ingredients. For example, a dry white wine such as Chardonnay pairs well with a creamy, rich seafood dish like lobster.

Learning the basics of wine tasting is an enjoyable experience and can give you insight into selecting more appropriate wines for your taste. With just a few steps, you can become a master taster and impress your friends with your knowledge!

By following the five S's of wine tasting and understanding the different varieties, you'll be set up for success. As you practice your new skills, you can start understanding which wines appeal to you most and how best to pair them with food.

Your newfound knowledge will go a long way when shopping at Booze By The Box Wine Delivery or whoever you decide to purchase your wine from.