Wine Tasting

Guide Note

Wine Tasting is the act of sampling wines, both recreationally and professionally, for flavors, aromas and general characteristics. Though many regions where wine is grown throughout the world have establishments where one can taste wine, a growing number of people have begun to host wine-tasting parties in their own homes.

Fast Facts

1. Dates back to ancient times
2. Was established as a hobby in the 14th century
3. Different glasses are used for different wines
4. Tasting parties have become very popular
5. Stages of wine tasting:
   • Checking the wine's appearance
   • Smelling the wine's in-glass fragrance or bouquet
   • Tasting it in the mouth
   • Savoring the aftertaste

One very common error for first-time wine tasters is drinking the wine instead of spitting it out. The practice of spitting it out is known as expectoration. Although drinking is what wine is made for, drinking too much of it is inevitable when there are several glasses, which can quickly inebriate the taster, thus dulling the senses and defeating the purpose of wine tasting. For those looking for a mild level of intoxication, tasting is enough: after several glasses, some wine is absorbed through the tongue and a bit inevitably slips down the throat, creating a small inebriating effect.