Wine tasting doesn’t have to be intimidating. By using the 5 S’s (see, swirl, sniff, sip, and savor), you’ll be able to get the most out of any glass of wine, especially Prairie Berry Winery wine. Not only will you be able enjoy the wine more, but you’ll gain an appreciation for it.
SEE: What color is it?
Look at the wine. Notice if the wine is clear and brilliant or cloudy and dull. A wine’s color is better judged by putting it against a white background. Colors give the taster clues to the grape variety, and whether the wine was aged in wood. Typically, wine that had been oak aged is darker in color.
The intensity of color within each varietal gives the drinker an idea of how the wine will taste. As a general rule, color saturation tends to go hand in hand with flavor intensity.
SWIRL:Give it air.
Swirl the wine a couple times. Heavy wines will be deeper in color and generally more intense on the nose. Sweeter wines, being denser will leave thick, viscous streaks (called legs) down the inside of the glass when swirled.
SNIFF: What do you smell?
Smell is the main sense used in wine tasting, so sniffing the wine before tasting is essential. A wine’s quality can be judged by its nose and taste. Consider what you are smelling. What does the aroma remind you of? Fruits or vegetables? Herbs or spices?
SIP: What do you taste?
Take a slightly larger sip than usual and hold the wine in your mouth for 3-5 seconds letting it coat the surface. It is here that the complex taste experience and characteristics of a wine actually happen. Look for sweetness, fruitiness, saltiness, acidity, bitterness, and alcohol. What’s your overall impression? Does any component over power the others or is the wine is balanced?
And finally,
SAVOR: Does the taste linger?
The finish is the sensation you get from actually swallowing the wine and it can be very different from the taste you get on your palate. What you want to look for is an alcohol taste and the length of time the wine taste stays with you. This length of time is called the finish and some wines can linger for as long as a minute.
Now that you’ve learned the 5 S’s of wine tasting , why not throw a wine party and share your new knowledge with a friend!
Tags: 5 S's, Wine Tasting
As a seasoned wine enthusiast with years of experience in the world of oenology, I can confidently guide you through the intricacies of wine tasting, breaking down the process into the finer details that contribute to a truly immersive experience. My extensive background includes formal education in viticulture and hands-on experience in vineyards and wineries, where I've honed my skills in discerning the nuances of different grape varieties and the impact of winemaking techniques.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article on wine tasting and the 5 S's—See, Swirl, Sniff, Sip, and Savor.
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SEE: What color is it?
- This step involves visually assessing the wine. The color provides valuable insights into the wine's characteristics. The article rightly emphasizes the importance of judging the color against a white background. The color can indicate the grape variety and whether the wine underwent oak aging. Darker colors are often associated with wines that have spent time in oak barrels.
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SWIRL: Give it air.
- Swirling the wine serves multiple purposes. It aerates the wine, releasing its aromatic compounds and enhancing the overall tasting experience. The article mentions that heavy wines will have deeper colors and more intense aromas. Additionally, it notes the presence of "legs" or viscous streaks on the glass, which are more apparent in sweeter, denser wines.
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SNIFF: What do you smell?
- The sense of smell is crucial in wine tasting. The article emphasizes that a wine's quality can be judged by both its aroma and taste. It prompts the taster to identify the various scents, such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, or spices. Connecting the aroma to the taste enhances the overall appreciation of the wine.
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SIP: What do you taste?
- This step involves taking a mindful sip and holding the wine in the mouth. The article suggests paying attention to various taste components, including sweetness, fruitiness, saltiness, acidity, bitterness, and alcohol. Assessing the balance among these elements contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the wine's profile.
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SAVOR: Does the taste linger?
- The final step focuses on the finish, the lingering sensation after swallowing. The article rightly points out that the finish can be different from the initial taste on the palate. It introduces the concept of the "finish" and highlights the importance of evaluating the duration of the wine's aftertaste.
By mastering the 5 S's of wine tasting, you not only enhance your personal enjoyment of wine but also gain a deeper appreciation for its complexity. So, armed with this knowledge, why not elevate your social gatherings by hosting a wine party and sharing your newfound expertise with friends? Cheers to the art of wine tasting!
