World of Wine: Wine Guides - Gary's Tips for Tasting and Evaluating Wine

There's a lot to learn about wine, but the best way to learn is to taste and taste some more. Here are a few tips on what to pay attention to when tasting and evaluating a wine.

Always start out with:

    * The right stemware (good quality glass with room to swirl)
    * A colorless and odorless environment (or as close as possible)
    * A white table cloth and bright lighting (to help you see the wine)
    * A spit bucket (to keep your wits about you when tasting through a flight!)

First, evaluate the APPEARANCE.

    * Clarity: Is the wine dull or clear?
    * Intensity: Is the wine pale, deep, or opaque?
    * Color: What is the color?

Second, evaluate the NOSE.

    * Condition: Is the aroma clean or flawed?
    * Intensity: Is the aroma very light, medium, or pronounced?
    * Development: Does the aroma seem young or aged?
    * Aroma Characteristics: Does the wine smell fruity? Floral? Grassy?

Third, evaluate the PALATE.

    * Sweetness: Does it taste sweet, off-dry, or dry?
    * Acidity: Does it have high or low acidity? (Notice whether your mouth waters)
    * Tannin: Are the tannins recognizably high? (the higher the tannin, the drier the wine)
    * Body: Is the mouthfeel light, medium or heavy on the tongue?
    * Intensity: Are the flavors light or pronounced?
    * Flavor Characterisics: Does it taste fruity? Nutty? Chocolatey? Do the flavors match the aromas?
    * Alcohol level: Does the alcohol seem recognizably low or high?
    * Length: Does the finish end quickly, or does the flavor linger for some time?

Finally, make your CONCLUSIONS.

    * Quality: Does the wine seem to be of an overall low or high quality?
    * Maturity: Is this wine ready to drink? Does it need to age? Is it past its prime?
    * Value: Is it the right quality for the cost?

Finally, remember there's no right or wrong answer when it comes to evaluating a wine; it's all about what you like.

Cheers!

Gary