A Beginner's Guide to Wine Tasting
Does "wine tasting" sound intimidating?
The truth is, wine tasting is something anyone can enjoy, even without specialized knowledge.
In this article, we'll share the basics of wine tasting that you can start practicing today.
What is Wine Tasting?
A Conversation with Wine
Tasting is the act of carefully observing wine and perceiving its character.
It's not just drinking—it's receiving messages from the wine itself.
| Purpose | Content |
|---|---|
| Deepen enjoyment | Notice subtle aromas and flavors |
| Know your preferences | Discover your favorite types |
| Enjoy conversation | Share impressions with others |
Important There's no "right answer" in tasting. Whatever you perceive is valid.
The 3 Steps of Wine Tasting
Step 1: See (Appearance)
First, tilt your glass against a white background (napkin or paper) and observe the wine's color.
Red Wine Colors
| Color | What It Suggests |
|---|---|
| Bright ruby | Young wine, light-bodied |
| Garnet to brick | Aged wine, complex flavors |
| Purple tint | Very young, fresh |
White Wine Colors
| Color | What It Suggests |
|---|---|
| Pale lemon yellow | Young and fresh |
| Golden | Oak-aged or slightly mature |
| Amber | Long-aged or possibly sweet |
Clarity and Viscosity
| Check Point | How to Look |
|---|---|
| Clarity | Clear or cloudy? |
| Brilliance | How beautifully it reflects light |
| Legs (tears) | Streaks after swirling—indicates alcohol or sugar |
Step 2: Smell (Aroma)
It's said that more than half of wine's appeal comes from its aroma.
Tips for Smelling
- Smell first without swirling — Get your first impression
- Swirl the glass — Release aromas through air contact
- Smell again — Perceive more complex aromas
Types of Aromas
| Type | Origin | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Primary aromas | Grape variety | Fruits, flowers |
| Secondary aromas | Fermentation | Bread, butter |
| Tertiary aromas (bouquet) | Aging | Vanilla, spices, leather |
Finding Aromas as a Beginner
If you're unsure "what that smell is," try thinking in these categories:
| Category | Red Wine Examples | White Wine Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Fruit | Cherry, plum, cassis | Apple, lemon, peach |
| Floral | Rose, violet | White flowers, acacia |
| Spice | Black pepper, clove | Ginger, herbs |
| Other | Earth, coffee, chocolate | Honey, nuts |
Step 3: Taste (Palate)
Now it's time to take the wine into your mouth.
What to Check When Tasting
| Element | Where You Feel It | Expression Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Sweetness | Tip of tongue | Dry, off-dry, sweet |
| Acidity | Sides of tongue | Refreshing, crisp, soft |
| Tannin | Gums, whole tongue | Firm, silky, light |
| Body | Weight in mouth | Light, medium, full |
| Finish | After swallowing | Short, long, complex |
Tasting Technique
- Take a small sip — About a teaspoon
- Roll it around — Taste with your whole tongue
- Draw in air — (Advanced) To enhance retronasal aromas
- Swallow or spit — Spitting is common at tastings
- Enjoy the finish — Feel the flavors after swallowing
Tips for Describing Wine
Don't Overthink It
You don't need to say things like "This wine shows the typical minerality of 2019 Burgundy..."
Simple words are perfectly fine:
| Simple Expression | That's Great! |
|---|---|
| "Fruity" | Rich in fruit aromas |
| "Refreshing" | Has nice acidity |
| "Rich" | Full-bodied flavor |
| "Easy to drink" | Well-balanced |
Comparison Makes It Easier
It's hard to understand one wine alone, but comparing two wines reveals differences clearly.
| Comparison Example | What You'll Notice |
|---|---|
| Pinot Noir vs Cabernet | Differences in tannin and weight |
| Same variety, different regions | Terroir differences |
| Young vs aged wine | Changes over time |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I have to swirl the glass?
A: Swirling releases aromas, but it's not mandatory. We recommend smelling first without swirling, then swirling to enjoy the change.
Q: I can't think of tasting notes
A: "Like it, okay, don't like it" is enough at first. As you practice, words will come naturally.
Q: Does it only work with expensive wine?
A: Not at all. Every wine has character. In fact, practicing with affordable wines is recommended.
Easy Home Tasting
Three-Bottle Comparison Set
Buy three wines within the same budget and do a comparison tasting.
Recommended Themes
| Theme | How to Choose |
|---|---|
| Red variety comparison | Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet |
| White variety comparison | Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling |
| Same variety, different regions | Chardonnay from France, Chile, Japan |
| Price comparison | Merlot at $10, $20, $30 |
Keep Records
Phone notes or a notebook—anything works. Record these for future reference:
- Date and wine name
- Impressions of color, aroma, taste
- Overall rating (1-5 scale)
- What you ate with it
Summary: How to Enjoy Wine Tasting
| Step | Key Point |
|---|---|
| See | Predict character from color and clarity |
| Smell | Aroma is more than half of wine's appeal |
| Taste | Sweetness, acidity, tannin, body, finish |
| Describe | Simple words are fine |
| Compare | Differences become clear with 2+ wines |
Wine tasting is about feeling rather than knowing.
Don't search for the right answer—trust your senses and enjoy the conversation with wine.
At our bar, our sommelier will support your tasting experience. Feel free to ask questions like "What is this aroma?" Let's explore the world of wine together.