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table of ContentsHave you ever wondered how wine is tasted ? From the hillsides of Tuscany to the cellars where Mexican red wines are preserved? In Baja California, wine tasting has become a sensory journey that awakens the senses and enriches the soul.
Tasting, within wine culture , is a world unto itself; it is an experience that goes beyond simply drinking a glass of wine . This art has been perfected over centuries and, today, is a passion shared by wine lovers around the world.
In previous articles we have shared with you the process of producing red wine , as well as the benefits of drinking it, so whether you are a curious beginner or an experienced winemaker, in this section you will find pertinent information that will help you deepen your understanding and enjoyment of wine.
As we explore the world of wine, we will learn to observe, smell, appreciate and taste each glass of wine as if it were a work of art in itself. We will discover everything from the basics to expert tips.
What is a wine tasting?
To begin, it is important to note that wine tasting It is an activity that involves the appreciation and evaluation of the characteristics of a wine , such as its flavor, texture, aroma and appearance.
This process is carried out in order to fully understand and enjoy the qualities that characterize a specific type of wine, which can be white wine, rosé wine, sparkling wine, red wine or a sweet wine.
Wine tasting , also known as wine tasting , takes place in different venues such as restaurants, wineries, wine events and tasting clubs. Tasting cards are usually handed out to record the impressions of each wine taken.
In general, the aspects to identify when tasting wines vary from the body of the wine , the acidity, the tannins , as well as the level of alcohol they contain.
This activity is not only limited to experts and sommeliers , but is also available to anyone interested in learning more about wines, since wine tasting is a way to delve into the diversity and richness of wines, as well as develop a more refined palate to fully enjoy this elixir.
What does a wine tasting consist of?
Wine tasting is a systematic and detailed process consisting of a series of steps that, as we have already mentioned, allow us to identify certain aspects that a wine must have to be considered a quality wine :
1.- Visual evaluation
Such tasting It begins with observing the wine served in a crystal glass. This step is done with the aim of identifying the wine's tones, as well as its density and body.
Colour can vary significantly depending on factors such as the type of grape used, the age of aging or even the climatic conditions where the grapes were grown, i.e. young red wines tend to have brighter, more violet colours, while older red wines may display lighter tones and brick or garnet nuances.
2.- Olfactory evaluation
After the visual evaluation of the wine, it is then sniffed. This is done after gently swirling the glass in order to release the wine's aromas . The people who are carrying out this process are also tasked with identifying a wide variety of aromas ranging from fruity fragrances to woody tones.
Generally speaking, we can say that the fruit aromas come from the grape, while the aromas of spices, wood, leather or chocolate, to name a few, come from the time spent in the barrel.
3.- Taste evaluation
Afterwards, take a small sip and allow the wine to flow through every corner of your mouth; in this step, as mentioned above, you will identify the acidity level of the wine, the body, as well as the aroma in the aftertaste and the tannins , in the case of red wine .
It is suggested that once you drink the wine, you exhale through your nose. This way, the entire olfactory channel is filled and the aromas are better perceived. You should pay attention to the sensations of acidity, tannicity or even minerality on your tongue. Flavors are precisely the relationship between the sensations of the tongue and the sense of smell.
Finally, after swallowing the sip of wine, An assessment is made of the persistence of the wine's aromas in the mouth after it has been consumed . Quality wines tend to have a long persistence.
Types of tasting
Just as there is a wide variety of wines to taste, there are also several types of wine tasting , with the aim of covering different purposes and approaches:
1.- Grape variety tasting
In this type of tasting, several wines are tasted that are made primarily from the same grape variety. This allows one to identify how the characteristics of a specific grape variety are expressed in different wines and regions.
2.- Blind tasting
Here, the wine is tasted without knowing its label or origin. This allows for an unbiased evaluation of the wine. This type of wine tasting can be totally blind (no information about the wine) or partially blind (limited knowledge about the wine, such as the grape variety).
3.- Vertical tasting
In a vertical tasting, several vintages (harvest years) of the same wine from a winery are tasted . This is done with the aim of comparing how the wine has evolved over time and appreciating the differences between the various vintages.
4.- Horizontal tasting
Unlike the previous one, in a horizontal tasting several wines from the same vintage are tasted but from different wineries . This type of tasting is carried out to compare how different producers have approached a specific harvest.
5.- Thematic tasting
In a themed tasting, you taste wines that have a common theme or characteristic, meaning you might taste wines from a specific wine region, wines aged in oak barrels, or sparkling wines , to give a few examples.
Now that you know everything you need to know about wine tasting , as well as the steps to follow in a tasting and some types of tastings , we invite you to live the wine tasting experience at Vinícola El Cielo , as well as stay tuned for new updates on our blog.
