A beginner’s guide to tasting wine when you don’t know your Merlot from your Moscato
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Ever felt awkward at a bougie wine tasting? We’re here to teach you how to actually enjoy a glass of vino.
Because let’s be real, navigating the world of wine can feel as confusing as decoding a foreign language menu. But fear not, this guide is here to break it down for you with as much detail as Sabrina Carpenter gives us in her song, Juno.
Step 1: Inspect it like you mean it
Channel your inner Sherlock. Hold that filled glass up to the light and give it a good once-over. Is it a deep, rich red? A pale, refreshing yellow? The colour can actually tell you a lot about the grape variety and the wine’s age. Swirl it around gently (think hypnotising a chicken, not powering up a windmill).
Young red wines are often a vibrant purple or ruby red, like a fresh bruise. As they age, they mellow out into a garnet or brick red, kind of like a well-loved leather jacket that you’ve bought off of Depop. And if you’re lucky enough to get your hands on a really old red, it might even look like a cup of tea – a bit tawny or brown.
Some white wines start off pale and innocent, like a glass of lemonade. But with age, they can develop a golden or amber hue, much like a vintage whiskey. So next time you’re sipping on a glass of vino, take a moment to appreciate its colour. It might just tell you a story.
Step 2: Breathe deeply (and maybe a little weirdly)
Stick your nose in that glass like you’re smelling a mystery candle at Dusk. What kind of party is going on in there? Is it a fruity fiesta? A spicy soiree? Earthy undertones? The smell, also known as the “bouquet” or “aroma”, tells you a lot about the grape varietal and how the wine was made.
You might get a whiff of juicy red berries, a burst of citrus, or a floral bouquet that could rival your grandma’s garden. If the wine’s been hanging out in oak barrels, you might pick up some vanilla, like a tropical vacation in a glass. And as wine ages, it can develop some serious character, with aromas of dried fruit, nuts, and even leather.
Step 3: Take a sip, savor, and don’t swallow (just yet)
Now for the fun part. Take a small sip and let it sit in your mouth, coating all parts of your tongue. You could swish it around your mouth like mouthwash (but hopefully it tastes better). What flavours are you picking up? Sweet? Tart? Maybe even a hint of chocolate or blackberry? This is where you can get creative with your descriptions.
Claire Walters picked the brains of Emma from Pique Nique, Andy from Rizla and Hollie Ingram (formerly of Pilot and now Attica) to find out how you even ‘taste’ wine.
Step 4: Swallow (or spit, we don’t judge) and repeat
Now you can swallow, or if you’re at a tasting, you can politely spit it out. Spitting might seem weird at first, but it helps you appreciate the flavour profile of each wine without getting wasted after trying a bunch of different ones. Or go hard Queen, you do you.
Bonus Tip: Pair it right
Wine and food are BFFs. Knowing how to pair your wine with your meal can take your whole dining experience to the next level. For example, lighter wines like Pinot Noir go well with chicken, while a bold Cabernet Sauvignon can hold its own against a juicy steak.
Wine recommendations for the curious palate
- If you like Pinot Grigio, try: Sauvignon Blanc.
- If you like Cabernet Sauvignon, try: Merlot.
- If you like Chardonnay, try: Riesling.
Remember: There are no wrong answers when it comes to tasting wine. The most important thing is to relax, have fun, and enjoy the experience. So grab a glass, gather your friends, and unleash your inner wine connoisseur!
