Have you ever felt like you don’t know enough, or aren’t fancy enough to go to wine parties or wine tours because you’re not a wine expert? You can stop worrying after you read these easy tips and tricks to use on your next long island wine tour that will fool
anyone into thinking you’re a true wine connoisseur.
The Glass
The glass often says a lot about the wine. For example, wine glasses without stems are meant for red wines, because you are meant to hold them in the warmth of your hand, whereas white wines need a stem so that they will stay cold. Wine glasses have a lip that curves inward to facilitate swirling to release aromas, and tulip-shaped glasses are made specifically for wines the have complex aromas, so that it’s easier to swirl and release them. You want to pour about an inch at first, to taste. Then when actually serving, never
pour more than a third of a glass.
Wine Tasting
If you are going to taste several wines, begin with the lightest (sparkling wines, roses, light whites and then full-bodied whites) and progress to the heaviest (light reds to more full-bodied reds followed by dessert wines). Sipping water between wines can help preserve your palate. Start by noticing color, hold your glass against a white paper or napkin– white wines gain color as they age, and red wines lose color and become more burgundy and brown than red. After color, move on to smell, then sip. For the first few sips, let the wine sit in your mouth, and roll it over the tongue or “chew” on it before swallowing.
The Smell
One of the most notable aspects of a wine is the smell, so it is important to swirl the glass to release aromas, and don’t be shy about poking your nose in there; that’s how it’s done. Remember this acronym when looking for smells: F.F.E.W. This stands for F- fruit notes, look for three primary ones, F- floral scents, herbs, vegetables, E- earthy tones such as soil, mineral properties such as slate, limestone, and W – wood, like oak factors, baking spices, tobacco, chocolate, this says a lot about the barrel it was made in.
Finish
Over all, the most important thing is to savor the wine. True aficionados do not drink wine just to drink; they drink it because savoring it is so enjoyable. Do not comment on your opinion of the wine until everyone has tried it, it is wine tasting etiquette. Note the finish, or the last taste the wine leaves on your tongue, and comment on the complexity of the wine (how many tastes, smells, and color aspects there are).
The point of wine tasting is simply to find wines that you will thoroughly enjoy. There is no wrong or right answer, but if you know these simple facts and things to look for, those around you are sure to be impressed by your knowledge and know-how! So fear no more, and book your wine tour today!
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