Wine Tasting Steps 

 

Wine tasting is a great way to learn about wines. 

Using a systematic approach to wine tasting is the fastest way to learn. It allows you to be able to compare wines fairly and to build on your wine knowledge in a reliable way.

What do you need to do a wine tasting?

Wine tasting can be done almost anywhere as the only thing you need to start is wine and wine glasses.

 

What are the wine tasting steps? 

When it comes to wine tasting there are 4 steps: 

  1. Look
  2. Smell (smell, swirl and smell again)
  3. Taste
  4. Think

 

Let’s Practice and do Some Tasting 

We need:

  • Two bottles of wine, one white and one red. For example, a Sauvignon Blanc and a Cabernet Sauvignon.
  • Two wine glasses that are clear and the same size and shape. 

Steps as follow

Step 1: Look 👀

Have a look at the wine.

  • What colour is it? Whites wines: lemon, gold, amber? Red wines: purple, ruby, garnet, tawny?
  • Does it have bubbles? Does it have legs?
  • Anything strange?

 
Step 2: Smell 👃
  • Smell the wine: Can you smell something fruity, floral, or any spices?
  • Swirl your glass and smell the wine again: So much easier now to recognise some of the aromas, isn’t it?
Step 3: Taste 👄

Have a normal taste:

  • What did you taste?
  • Does the wine seem sweet or dry? Is it acidic? Does you month get dry?
  • Can you taste any fruity, floral flavours?

 

Have a second taste, but this time move the wine around the month and let some air in.

  • What did you taste?
  • Does the wine seem sweet or dry? Is it acidic? Does you month get dry
  • Can you taste any fruity, floral flavours?
Step 4: Think 🤔

Have a think about the wine.

  • What did you think overall?
  • Did you like it? Why?
  • If you did not like it, do you still think it may be a good quality wine? Why?