Trying new wines is what you like to do or you are simply a wine newbie. The world of wine can be pretty intimidating whether you find yourself having to taste the wine chosen over a luncheon or at a wine tasting event you’re never quite sure if you did it right. Here are a few tips to help you become the next wine tasting connoisseur.
The waiter or the sommelier will present the bottle you ordered, this is done in order to make sure it is indeed the bottle you have chosen. Nod your head for approval if the waiter got it right. The waiter will pour a tasting of wine to try; remember there is more to tasting than just knocking back. Spare yourself the embarrassment:
LOOK at the color of the wine and its clarity.
SWIRL your wine by keeping your glass planted on the table and moving your hand in circles or simply lift the glass and flick your wrist with the same circular motion. Remember to hold the glass by its stem and not by the bowl, you know, this will alter the flavor of the wine and you don’t want to have your fingerprints all over the glass now, would you?
SNIF the wine! Once the wine comes in contact with oxygen, the aromas of the wine will open up. Bring the glass close to your nose and sniff the aromas and try to identify what it is you smell. Can you guess any?
SIP IT Get a mouthfeel of the wine, roll it around in your mouth taking in the flavors.
Voila! Now go and practice your wine tasting skills!