3 Easy Steps to Taste Wine Like a Pro: Tasting Notes and Techniques

Wine tasting is more than just sipping and swirling; it’s an art and a science that enhances your appreciation of wine. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, learning how to taste wine like a professional can unlock a new level of enjoyment. Here’s a guide to help you master the art of wine tasting, complete with techniques and tips for creating professional-style tasting notes. 

Step 1: Prepare for the Experience

To fully appreciate a wine, your environment is important. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

• Choose a clean glass: A tulip-shaped glass is ideal for concentrating aromas.
• Ensure a neutral environment: Avoid strong scents such as perfumes or food smells that may interfere with your perception.
• Check the wine’s temperature: Whites should generally be chilled but not ice-cold, while reds are best at room temperature or slightly cooler.

Step 2: Follow the Five S’s of Wine Tasting

Professional wine tasters rely on the Five S’s: See, Swirl, Sniff, Sip, and Savour. Each step builds a deeper understanding of the wine in your glass.

1. See

Examine the wine’s appearance. Hold your glass against a white background and note:

• Colour: Is it pale straw, deep ruby, or tawny? The colour offers clues about the grape variety, age, and even the climate it came from.
• Clarity: Is the wine clear or hazy? Haze might indicate an unfiltered wine or a potential flaw.
• Viscosity (or "legs"): Swirl the glass and observe how the wine clings to the sides. Thicker legs can indicate higher alcohol or sugar content.

2. Swirl

Swirling aerates the wine, releasing its aromas. Be gentle—small, circular motions are sufficient.

3. Sniff

Bring your nose to the glass and take a deep inhale. Aromas reveal significant insights:

• Primary aromas: These come from the grapes, such as fruits, flowers, or herbs.
• Secondary aromas: These result from winemaking processes, like buttery notes from oak ageing or yeasty hints from fermentation.
• Tertiary aromas: Found in aged wines, such as leather, tobacco, or dried fruit.

4. Sip

Take a small sip, allowing the wine to coat your palate. Focus on:

• Sweetness: Does the wine taste dry, off-dry, or sweet?
• Acidity: A tart sensation, like biting into a green apple, indicates high acidity.
• Tannins: Found in red wines, tannins create a drying sensation, similar to over-steeped tea.
• Alcohol: Does the wine feel warm? This warmth correlates with its alcohol content.
• Body: Light, medium, or full-bodied? This refers to the weight or richness of the wine in your mouth.
• Flavour intensity and balance: Do the components (e.g., sweetness, acidity, tannins) harmonise?

5. Savour

After swallowing or spitting (if you’re tasting multiple wines), consider the finish:

• Length: How long do the flavours linger? A longer finish often signals higher quality.
• Aftertaste: What flavours remain?

Step 3: Take Tasting Notes

Recording your impressions not only helps you remember the wine but also sharpens your tasting skills over time. Here’s a framework for professional-style notes:

1. Wine Name and Vintage: Include the producer, grape variety, and year.
2. Appearance: Note the colour, clarity, and viscosity.
3. Nose: Describe the aromas you detect—fruit, floral, spice, or earthy.
4. Palate: Record flavours, structure (acidity, tannins, alcohol), and body.
5. Finish: Comment on the length and balance.
6. Overall Impression: Did you enjoy the wine? Would you recommend it?

Pro Tips to Elevate Your Tasting

• Compare wines side by side: Tasting similar wines together helps highlight differences in style, grape, or region.
• Learn the language of wine: Familiarise yourself with descriptive terms. Instead of "nice," try "ripe blackberry with a hint of vanilla."
• Read up about different wine varieties: Learn about wine pairing, origins, pronunciation, and production from our growing Liquorpedia library.
• Train your palate: Experiment with non-wine flavours (such as citrus, chocolate, or herbs) to improve your ability to identify them in wine.

Final Thoughts

Tasting wine like a professional is about more than just technical skills—it’s about taking the time to appreciate the nuances in every glass. With practice, you’ll develop a more refined palate and a deeper connection to the wines you love. So grab a glass, start sipping, and enjoy the journey!