Enjoying a good wine alongside special companies is priceless, but knowing how to taste it the right way is not for everyone. The art of tasting involves the senses such as sight, smell and, of course, taste, resulting in a deeper and more intimate contact with the wine. Its proper preparation is essential to obtain a more accurate and complete sensory experience.
First, as far as preparation is concerned, the choice of environment will make all the difference. It may not seem like it, but a quiet environment, free of distractions and strong odors, is ideal for a successful tasting. In addition, the sense of smell is of enormous importance, and it is essential to avoid the use of perfumes or any other element that could interfere with the perception of the aromas of the wine. Also during this phase, making sure that the wine is served at the right temperature is an essential factor, in this case, the ideal is to confirm the indication sometimes present on the back label of the bottle. Red wines, for example, are usually tasted at mild temperatures, such as 16ºC and 18ºC, while white wines should be tasted cooler, between 9ºC and 12ºC.
The preparation also involves choosing the ideal glass for the tasting, being advised to use a colorless glass, thin and with a wide bottom and a narrow one, since they improve the experience and allow the appreciation of the colors and the concentration of the aromas. Finally, the preparation phase ends with cleaning the palate. Before tasting a wine, the ideal is to cleanse the palate, which can be done with a sip of water, a piece of neutral bread or even a slice of apple. These measures help remove any food residue and balance the palate, thus allowing a better perception of the wine's characteristics.
In order to start tasting, it is advisable to first visually observe the wine. In this sense, you can observe the hue by tilting the glass 45 degrees and analyzing its hue. In younger red wines, the color can range from violet-red to ruby-red. As the wine ages, its color can evolve into more orange or brownish tones. In white wines, the color can vary from yellow to golden, and in the case of more aged white wines, the color can be in amber tones.
In addition to observing its hue, one should also analyze its color intensity. Both in red wines and in white wines, the intensity of the color can vary and thus give clues about its flavor and aromas. In addition, analyzing its clarity is another important factor, since it will dictate whether or not the wine is well filtered.
The third stage consists of an olfactory phase, that is, the appreciation of the aromas, which is fundamental to explore the complexity and richness of the olfactory characteristics of the wines. Gently rotate the glass and appreciate the primary aromas, which come from the grape, then the secondary aromas, aromas that will be influenced by the type of process in which the wine was aged, and the tertiary aromas, from the continuous evolution , being aromas that are developments during the aging process, and may include notes of various spices. In addition, analyzing how these aromas blend and complement each other will make the experience richer and more intense.
The next stage is characterized by the gustatory phase, being the moment of tasting the wine in the mouth. After the first sip, it is time to assess the level of sweetness, acidity, and check the tannins present, these being compounds that give structure and texture to the wine. In addition, the body of the wine must be evaluated, which can be light, medium or full-bodied, a factor that depends on the alcohol concentration, among others. Before finishing, analyzing the balance in the palate and the intensity of the flavor is an important factor, since the wines can be presented as being subtle and delicate or more intense.
During finishing, it is important to pay attention to the finish of the wine and observe the flavor that lingers in the mouth over an extended period and whether there are any pleasant or unpleasant characteristics that stand out. After carrying out all the steps described, you can also consider pairing and trying the wine with different foods or cheeses to explore how the flavors complement each other. Also, taking notes during the tasting to record your perceptions and observations will help you develop a taste memory and compare wines over time.
The art of tasting is a true immersion in the world of wines, and contrary to what many think, anyone can call friends and family for a homemade and more relaxed tasting, just follow all the necessary steps correctly and let yourself be enjoyed. of an enriching experience, full of aromas, flavors and sensations.