A Beginner’s Guide to Tasting Wine Like a Sommelier
Wine tasting is more than just sipping a drink. It’s an experience of the senses. Whether you’re at a wine tasting room in Napa or enjoying a glass at home, learning how to taste wine like a sommelier can deepen your appreciation and elevate every pour. This beginner’s guide will walk you through the basics of wine tasting, helping you refine your palate and understand what makes each bottle unique.
Set the Scene
Before you even uncork the bottle, create a distraction-free environment. Use proper wine glasses, good lighting, and a neutral-smelling space. Ideally, taste wine in natural daylight to see its true color. Avoid wearing strong perfumes or eating heavily seasoned foods beforehand, as these can interfere with your sense of smell and taste.
Look: Evaluate the Wine’s Appearance
The first step in wine tasting is visual examination. Hold your glass at an angle against a white background. Look at the color, clarity, and viscosity (legs or tears that form on the inside of the glass). A wine’s color can reveal its age, grape variety, and intensity. For example, red wines tend to lighten with age, while white wines become more golden.
Swirl and Smell: Unlock Aromas
Gently swirl the wine in your glass to release its aromas. This simple action introduces oxygen and helps you detect the wine’s bouquet. Bring the glass to your nose and inhale deeply.
Note the primary aromas (fruit, floral, and herbal), secondary aromas (from fermentation, such as yeast or butter), and tertiary aromas (aging characteristics like leather, nut, or earth). Sommeliers often describe wines with layers of scent, and with practice, you can too.
Taste: Sip and Savor
Now comes the most enjoyable part: tasting the wine. Take a small sip and let it coat your entire mouth. Focus on these elements:
Sweetness: Is the wine dry or sweet?
Acidity: Does it make your mouth water? Higher acidity is refreshing and crisp.
Tannin: Mostly in red wines, tannins cause a drying sensation.
Body: Is the wine light, medium, or full-bodied?
Flavor Profile: Identify the flavors that match what you smelled.
Finish: How long do the flavors linger after swallowing?
Take Notes and Compare
Write down your observations and thoughts. Note the wine’s name, vintage, and varietal, and jot down details about its appearance, aroma, and flavor. Over time, keeping a wine journal can help you discover your preferences and expand your wine knowledge.
Understand Wine Terms
Familiarize yourself with common wine descriptors. Terms like “crisp,” “jammy,” “earthy,” “buttery,” and “oaky” help communicate specific qualities. You don’t need to be a certified sommelier to use this language; it simply helps you describe your experiences and share recommendations with others.
Pair with Purpose
To take your tasting to the next level, pair your wine with complementary food. A GEN 7 2019 Muscat Blanc Reserve pairs beautifully with soft cheeses or fruit-based desserts, while the Vaché “1832” 2016 Zinfandel enhances rich dishes like grilled lamb or short ribs. The right pairing can unlock new flavor dimensions.
Practice Makes Perfect
Wine tasting is a skill that improves with time. Visit local tasting rooms, join wine clubs, and explore new varietals. The GEN 7 Wine Club offers curated selections that make it easy to learn and taste from home. With each bottle, you’ll build confidence and cultivate a more refined palate.
Conclusion
Tasting wine like a sommelier isn’t about memorizing fancy terms or impressing others. It’s about engaging your senses and savoring each moment. From sight to sip, each step is an opportunity to connect with the story behind the bottle. Whether you’re just starting your wine journey or deepening your appreciation, GEN 7 Wines invites you to explore and enjoy.
Ready to take your tasting experience to the next level? Join the GEN 7 Wine Club and bring sommelier-worthy selections right to your door.
