Do you know how to really taste a wine? We are not just talking about tasting it, but enjoying it with all your senses, as a wine taster would do. Whether you are a curious amateur or you want to delve deeper into the world of wine tasting, this article is for you.
Today we tell you everything you need to know about wine tasting, so you can learn to taste wine like a true professional. From the preparations, to the key phases and the best tips to get the most out of each glass.
Preparations before tasting a wine
A good tasting begins long before the first sip, it is important to prepare both your environment and your mind. Prepare yourself with an open mind and a clean palate (avoid smoking or eating strong foods).
- Choose a quiet place with good natural lighting. Avoid external aromas that may alter your perception (perfumes, food, air fresheners).
- Use suitable glasses of fine, transparent, tulip-shaped glass to concentrate the aromas.
- Take care of the temperature of the wine, red wines should be tasted between 16-18 °C and white wines between 8-12 °C. This allows a better appreciation of their characteristics.
And above all, remember, wine tasting is not just about uncorking and serving.
Wine tasting phases
Tasting a wine is a journey in four stages: see, smell, taste and feel. Below, we explain each one in detail so that you can understand how to taste a wine correctly.
Visual phase
The first thing to do is to look. Observing the wine gives us clues about its age, cleanliness and concentration. You should pay special attention to:
Color: A young white wine can be yellow, straw or greenish. On the other hand, aged whites tend to be golden. In reds, the colors range from intense ruby to garnet or tile.
Brightness: A clean and bright wine is usually well made.
Tears or legs: When swirling the glass, notice the drops that fall down the walls. If they are dense and slow, they indicate higher alcohol content or body.
This stage, although quick, is very important. A glance can tell a lot.
Olfactory phase
Smell is key in wine tasting, since most of the flavors we perceive in the mouth actually come from the aroma. This is the correct way to do it:
First nose: Bring the glass closer without shaking. Detect the first aromas.
Second nose: Swirl the glass to release more volatile compounds. Here new nuances appear.
There are three types of aromas:
- Primary: Fruits, flowers, herbs, typical of the grape.
- Secondary: Derived from fermentation (bread, yeast, dairy).
- Tertiary: They come from aging (wood, spices, leather).
Remember: Every wine is unique, and so is every nose. There are no wrong answers, only different perceptions.
Taste phase
In this phase you experience the true character of the wine. This is where you notice if a wine excites you... or simply accompanies you. It is the most awaited phase by many, it is when we take the wine to the mouth. But it's not about drinking: it's about analyzing the wine's characteristics:
- Attack: Is it smooth, powerful, sweet, dry?
- Body and texture: Full or light, smooth or astringent?
- Balance: Acidity, sweetness, tannins and alcohol should harmonize.
- Persistence: How long does the flavor last after swallowing?
- Aftertaste: Sometimes the finish in the mouth gives us new surprising notes.
Taste evaluation phase
In this phase, the way the wine feels in the mouth is analyzed, beyond the taste. In other words, the physical sensations it provokes when it comes into contact with the tongue, palate and gums are evaluated.
This tactile dimension is essential in wine tasting, as it reveals key information about the structure, aging and style of the wine.
This is influenced by factors such as:
- Temperature, which can make a wine feel sharper or more enveloping.
- Texture, which can be silky, creamy, rough or rough.
- Viscosity, which determines whether the wine is light or denser, almost as if it weighs more in the mouth.
- Astringency, that sensation of dryness or roughness caused by tannins, especially in red wines.
For example, if you want to know how to taste a white wine, look at its freshness, acidity and lightness in the mouth. On the other hand, to understand how to taste a red wine, you should pay special attention to its tannins, body and persistence of flavor. Many wine lovers are surprised to discover how much a wine communicates without even swallowing it.
Tips on how to improve your tasting
Here are some tips to help you learn to taste wines like the pros:
- Record your impressions: Keeping a tasting notebook will help you identify the characteristics of each wine.
- Try different types of wines and styles: white, red, rosé, sparkling, sweet... The more you taste, the more you will learn.
- Compare wines in parallel: This way you will better understand the differences between varieties or elaborations.
- Do thematic tastings: For example, compare three red wines from different vintages or three whites from different grapes.
- Practice in different contexts: The environment also has an influence. Tasting in a winery like Can Vidalet is not the same as doing it at home.
And if you wonder how long a wine tasting lasts, the usual is between one and two hours, depending on how many wines are tasted and the level of depth.
Where can I have a real tasting experience?
At Bodegas Can Vidalet, we not only produce handcrafted wines in Mallorca, we also share our passion for wine with our visitors. We are waiting for you to live an authentic experience with our team. You will learn, enjoy and, who knows, maybe you will discover your new favorite variety.
Check out our selection of white wines or discover the elegance of our red wines. If you really want to know how to taste a wine, there's nothing like experiencing it live with us. Whether you are interested in learning how a red wine is tasted or you prefer to discover how a white wine is tasted, you can take a guided tour among the vineyards, visit our facilities and participate in a wine tasting with views of the Sierra de Tramontana.
Contact us to book your visit, purchase our wines or resolve any questions. We help you to turn every glass into an unforgettable experience.