We obviously LOVE wine. We’re around it a lot and it’s a big part of
what we do on a daily basis. We also know that wine can come off
intimidating at times. Don’t let the average wine snob fool you with
their opinions. What really matters is taste. If you like what you’re
tasting, keep enjoying it! Drinking wine is meant to be fun, not stuffy!
The way we conduct our Hope at Home
tastings are casual, but still informative. We aren’t experts by any
means, but we are familiar with the basics. So in honor of our favorite
day of the week, Wine Wednesday, we wanted to share a few tips for your
next ONEHOPE Wine tasting party.
1. Pour:
Use a simple glass to evaluate the wine. Because you want as little
distraction from the wine as possible, try to stay away from elaborate
cut-crystal or opaque glasses. Give yourself about a 2 ounce pour (¼
cup) into a stemmed glass so there’s room to swirl.
2. Look:
Take a look at what you’re about to taste. The appearance and color
will tell you a lot about a wine. Intense, deep color―particularly in a
red wine―indicates how full-bodied it will taste. Although sediment is
possible in older bottles, wine should be clear and free of cloudiness.
3. Smell: We’re getting closer to the good part! Give
your glass a swirl to release the aroma, then put your nose just inside
the glass and inhale. If you aren’t detecting anything, cover the glass
with your hand, swirl, uncover, and immediately inhale. Try to detect
the wine’s characteristics. Is it fruity? Earthy? Floral? Spicy? After
you narrow it down, it will be easier to further refine your
description. For example, if you are getting fruit on the nose, do you
detect citrus, berries, or tropical fruits?
4. Taste: Finally… our favorite part, the tasting!
You’ve probably come across some tasters that suck in a little air with
the wine, then slosh it around in their mouths. Well this may look and
feel a little funny. Just remember to breathe in and out when you are
sipping to help aerate the wine and enhance the flavor. While tasting,
consider body and texture, sweetness or bitterness, acidity, tannins,
and the overall balance. Lastly, be sure to focus on the wine’s
“finish”―how long its essence lingers on your palate after swallowing.
All tips aside, just have fun and enjoy yourself.
That’s what wine is for anyways, right? Cheers!
