Ample on the palate? Full tannic body? Aromas of honeysuckle? Rhubarb? Russian leather? Why not rhinoceros’ nose whiskers while we’re at it!?

Are we to believe that wine-tasting is an exclusive exercise for the elite few, or the sole domain of wizened old experts?

How to taste wine

A personal adventure

Nowadays, it is a well-known fact that we all perceive wine according to our own sensitivities. This perception is completely dependent on our own personal history and culture, rather than directly on the sensory features of the wine itself.  Our memories give wine its character. So, even if the wine-growing world defines quality criteria and standards for each product, we are all individually free to love or hate a wine based on our own personal opinion!

A collaborative adventure

To best ensure that each tasting becomes a fuller, more beneficial experience, it is important to listen to other people’s comments as well as to share our own views, as a way of enriching our sense of taste and smell and building up our knowledge of wine.

Nobody will ever be able to smell or taste anything for you – thank goodness! So here are a few pointers to help you get started: your eyes, for the apperance, your nose, for the bouquet, your palate, for the taste.