By smelling a wine glass, each of us makes a personal assessment of the various perceptions about that specific wine. Those perceptions along with the memory and experience of each person become a sensation. One way to convey these feelings is through a descriptive analysis. However, it is not simply to use descriptive terms and give specific attributes to the wine.
On the next step, one must first of all, observe the colour of the wine to establish whether it has clarity or vivacity; swirl the glass to release the aromas; explore them with the smell and take a small sip of wine and let it sit some time in one’s mouth to discover the aromas.
The wine must be poured in the glass less than half its total capacity, in order to allow the circular movement and secure the release of aromas.
Bear in mind, that the ideal temperature for wine is between 16 and 18º C for the reds and 5 to 8º C for the whites.
FEEL THE WINE
The wines differ in colour, texture, degree and body, as well as aromas and taste. The person tasting them has to consider everything and their characteristics are illustrated in the following steps:
→ A strong and fresh colour: The colour on the edge of the tilted glass and in front of a white background gives the first data. Is it clear? Is it purple red (young) or turns to a brick colour with the age?
→ The aroma is a decisive reference: The taster inhales deeply. The first impression is the most indicative. Is there a strange colour? Does it smell like fresh grapes or has a complex “bouquet” because of the barrel or bottle aging.
→ The taste confirms the aroma: a good sip, not a small one, leaving the wine bathe every corner of your mouth. The body of wine exerts its impact. Is it generous or weak? Is it because of the harsh tannin, as it should be expected in the young reds?
→ The persistence of the flavour: Holding the wine in the mouth, the taster inhales some air through the lips. The heat of the mouth evaporates the aromas and a more positive impression is neutralized in the back of the mouth as the vapours ascend towards the visual cavity. After swallowing or spitting, does the wine taste persist or not?
