If you are a wine and enology lover like us, you probably already know what a wine tasting is. But if you still don't know, don't worry, we will tell you. In addition, we will help you understand everything about the world of wine, its nuances, aromas and flavors.
Wine tasting is not exclusive for experts; anyone can enjoy it and learn with every sip.
Wine tasting: What is it?
Wine tasting is a wine tasting process, through which wine is evaluated sensorially, using the senses of sight, smell and taste. It is not only about drinking, but also about analyzing, appreciating and discovering the characteristics that make it unique.
The goal is to understand the quality of the wine, its structure, balance, complexity and aging potential. And although this term may sound technical, the experience can be as formal or relaxed as one wants.
The person who tastes wine is called a wine taster or oenophile, and can have different levels of training. However, they all start from the same base: observe, smell and taste.
What is the purpose of a wine tasting?
Wine tasting is not only a social or gastronomic act; it also serves multiple educational and sensory purposes. Some of the most common are:
- To learn to recognize aromas, flavors and textures.
- Discovering new varieties and flavors.
- To compare different wines and choose the most appropriate one for an occasion or meal.
- Deepen your wine knowledge, whether you are an amateur or a professional.
- Simply enjoy wine in a more conscious way.
Types of wine tasting
It is important to clarify that not all wine tastings are carried out with the same purpose or under the same conditions. In other words, there are different types of tastings, which vary according to the objective pursued, the environment in which they take place and the level of experience of the participants:
- Horizontal tasting
Horizontal tasting consists of tasting wines from the same year, but from different wineries or regions. This modality allows comparing styles, winemaking techniques and terroirs, which is ideal to understand how the environment influences the personality of the wine.
- Vertical tasting
In this case, different vintages of the same wine are tasted. This technique is ideal for observing how the wine ages, how the climatic conditions of each year affect it and how the aromas, flavors and structure evolve over time.
- Blind tasting
The taster does not know the identity of the wine he/she is tasting. This technique eliminates external influences such as brand or price and allows the taster to focus on the sensory characteristics. It is very useful to train the palate objectively.
- Paired tasting
Combines wine tasting with food, such as tapas, cheese or even desserts. The objective is to evaluate how the flavors enhance or balance each other, creating memorable gastronomic experiences.
It is usually carried out for qualification, certification or quality control purposes. A structured technical sheet is used and standardized criteria are applied to ensure objectivity in the evaluation of each wine.
What glass is used in wine tasting?
To carry out a proper wine tasting, it is not enough just to taste the wine, the choice of the glass also makes a difference. The ideal wine tasting glass should have
- Tulip shape, to concentrate the aromas.
- Thin and transparent glass, without decorations.
- Wide calyx and narrow base.
These characteristics allow us to observe the color of the wine, to oxygenate it properly and to better perceive the aromas. At Bodegas Can Vidalet we use professional tasting glasses to make each experience as enriching as possible.
Where to do a wine tasting
Nowadays you can do a wine tasting in many places, from restaurants and fairs to wineries like ours in Can Vidalet.
Here, we offer you a unique wine tour and tasting experience in Mallorca, in a natural environment, surrounded by vineyards, history and tradition. Our team will guide you step by step to learn, enjoy and discover the soul of our wines.
How is a tasting done step-by-step?
A professional tasting is structured in three phases (visual, olfactory and gustatory), which are fundamental to appreciate the complexity of a wine:
Visual phase
The color, clarity, intensity and density of the wine are evaluated. A young wine presents brighter and livelier tones, such as violet in reds. More evolved wines tend towards tile or amber tones. It is also observed if the wine has tears or slow tears, which can indicate its alcohol content and body.
Olfactory phase
Here the glass is gently brought close to the nose to identify aromas. First without shaking the wine, then swirling the glass to release more volatile compounds. Distinctions are made:
- Primary aromas: They come from the grape (fruits, flowers, herbs).
- Secondary aromas: Appear during fermentation (bakery, dairy).
- Tertiary aromas: Develop with aging (leather, tobacco, wood).
Taste phase
Finally, the wine is brought to the mouth and its taste, texture and persistence are analyzed. The attack (how it enters the mouth):
- The attack (how it enters the mouth).
- The balance between acidity, sweetness, tannins and alcohol.
- The length of the flavor (persistence).
- The aftertaste (flavors that remain after swallowing).
The evolution in the glass can also be evaluated, since some wines change with the passing of minutes.
Benefits of attending a wine tasting
Participating in a wine tasting is not only a fun experience, it is also an excellent way to learn about wine and enjoy it more consciously. Here are some of its main benefits:
- Improve your wine knowledge.
- You learn to distinguish quality and defects.
- You enjoy with all your senses.
- You connect with the local culture and the land.
Recommendations for beginners
If you are going to attend a wine tasting for the first time, there are certain tips that can help you to enjoy it to the fullest and better capture every detail of the wine:
- Avoid strong perfumes.
- Do not smoke before tasting.
- Wear comfortable clothes and neutral tones (to observe the wine).
- Stay hydrated.
We are waiting for you at Can Vidalet
Now that you know what a wine tasting is, we invite you to experience it in first person. At Bodegas Can Vidalet we organize wine tours and tasting sessions in Mallorca for you to enter the world of oenology with all your senses.
Discover our artisan varieties, accompanied by Mallorcan tapas and views of the Sierra de Tramontana.