Would you like to get the most out of your next wine tasting? There are over a thousand aromatic compounds in a single glass of wine, yet it’s common for beginning wine enthusiasts to smell nothing but…wine. With a little practice, you can begin to pick up the subtle aromatics of the wine in your glass, and even identify how it compares to other wines you’ve tried.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when you’re sipping and smelling your way through the many wineries in Lincoln CA. All it takes is a love of wine and a little bit of patience and you’ll be tasting like a pro in no time.
Tips For Your Next Wine Tasting
Tip #1: Take it slow.
What’s the rush? Stop and smell the roses, raspberries, chocolate, and more! Take a moment to swirl your glass so that the aromatic compounds in your wine lift into the bowl of your glass. Take a sniff and see what you find.
Savor each flavor and texture. Don’t hurry to finish your wine before moving on to the next; instead, leave a little bit in your glass to return to after you’ve tasted a few more. You may find that the wine opens up over time and smells different after a while.
Tip #2: Use all your senses.
Wine is a full, sensory experience; it’s not just about taste. Be sure to observe the appearance of your wine before you smell or taste it. If the wine is white, is it clear, lemon, gold, or even amber? If it’s red, can you see through it, or is it deep crimson or even purple? Is the wine clear or hazy?
All of these questions will lead to answers that reveal a little bit about the grape, winemaking method, and even the age of the wine.
Tip #3: Ask questions.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions, no matter how silly they may seem. Chances are, you’re not the only one with some variation of the question in your head. Having a conversation about the wine will reveal new insights about what the wine tastes like, reminds you of, or makes you think of. This will help it stick in your memory!
Tip #4: Take notes.
You might remember that you loved a wine, but you may forget the exact tasting notes that came to you at the moment. Bring a small notebook to jot down your thoughts, impressions, and new things that you learn.
This will help you remember memorable wines but it will also help you track your palate as it evolves over time.
Wine Tasting Near Me
Wine tastings are the best way to learn about wine. A flight of wines is an opportunity to compare, contrast, and get curious. You’ll learn about the different styles, regions, grapes, and production methods through your senses! Use these tips at your next wine tasting at one of the many wineries in Lincoln CA.