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How to “Wine” Like a Pro: Know the 5 S’s of Wine Tasting

Wine tasting can be fun and exciting, but it can also be intimidating to start. After all, there are so many different types of wines, and it can take time to know where to begin. However, it doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right approach, anyone can learn the basics of wine tasting and start to enjoy the wines they drink.

In this article, let’s explore the five s’s of wine tasting. Here is your guide on how to “wine like a pro”!

The Five S’s of Wine Tasting

You may have heard of the “Five S’s” of wine tasting, but do you know what they mean? The Five S’s of wine tasting refer to the five steps you should take when tasting a wine. These five steps are SEE, SWIRL, SNIFF, SIP and SAVOUR. Each step is important in helping you get the most out of your tasting experience. 

See

The first step of the Five S’s of wine tasting is SEE. This means looking at the colour of the wine. The colour can tell you a lot about the age and type of wine you are tasting. For example, a young red wine will be bright and clear, while an older red wine will have a deeper red hue. 

Swirl

The second step is SWIRL. This is when you take the wine glass in one hand and use the other hand to swirl the wine around the glass. Swirling the wine helps release the wine’s aromas and allows the taster to get a better sense of the aromas. 

Sniff

The third step is SNIFF. After swirling the wine, it is time to smell the wine. This is an essential step in the tasting process because your nose is the most sensitive organ when it comes to tasting wine. The aromas can tell you a lot about the wine and help you understand what flavours you may experience when tasting it.

Sip

The fourth step is SIP. This is when you take a small sip of the wine and let it sit on your palate for a few seconds. This allows you to experience the full flavour of the wine. It is important to note that the flavour of the wine can change depending on how long it sits on your tongue, so it is important to take small sips and let the wine rest on your tongue before swallowing. 

Savour

The fifth and final step of the Five S’s of wine tasting is SAVOUR. This is when you take a moment to think about the flavours and aromas of the wine and try to identify the different elements you are tasting. This step is important because it allows the taster to gain a better understanding of how the wine was made and the flavours that it has to offer. 

The Five S’s of wine tasting are a great way to get the most out of your tasting experience. By following these five steps, you can ensure that.

Basic Wine Terms 

When it comes to wine tasting, there is a whole language for describing the wine’s flavour, aroma, and overall sensation. Understanding basic wine terms will help you better appreciate the wines you taste. Here are some key terms you’ll encounter in wine tasting. 

  • Acidity: This refers to the tartness and sharpness of the wine. It is usually associated with crispness and liveliness in the mouth. 
  • Alcohol: This is the percentage of alcohol in a wine. It is measured by volume and is usually between 10-14%. 
  • Aroma: This is the smell of the wine. It can be fruity, floral, spicy, or earthy. 
  • Balance: This refers to the overall harmony of the components in the wine. The aroma, taste, and texture are in harmony if a wine is balanced. 
  • Body: This refers to the texture or weight of the wine in the mouth. Wines can range from light-bodied to full-bodied. 
  • Bouquet: This is the complex aroma of the wine that develops with age. 
  • Finish: This is the impression left on the palate after tasting the wine. It can range from short to long. 
  • Flavours: These are the taste sensations that come from the aroma. They can be fruity, spicy, earthy, and so on. 
  • Oak: This is the flavour of the wine imparted by the oak barrels in which it is aged. It can range from light to heavy. 
  • Tannins: These are the bitter compounds in red wines that give them structure, texture, and complexity. 
  • Terroir: This unique combination of climate, soil, and grape variety contributes to the wine’s character. 

These are just some basic wine terms you’ll encounter in wine tasting. Understanding these terms will help you better appreciate and understand the wines you taste.

How to Get Started

The first thing to do is to choose a few different types of wines to sample. You don’t need to buy expensive bottles of wine—starting with more affordable options is better. This way, you can know what you like and don’t like before investing in more expensive bottles. Look for bottles from different regions and varieties to get a good sense of the different styles of wines.

Once you have your wines, set up a proper environment to taste them. Make sure the room is well-ventilated, and there is nothing that will overpower the aroma of the wine. Have a few different glasses on hand, as it’s important to use the right glass for each type of wine.

Now, it’s time to start tasting! Start by looking at the colour of the wine. Swirl the wine in the glass to release the aroma and take deep sniffs. Then, take a sip and roll it around in your mouth to get a sense of the flavours. Think about the sweetness, acidity, tannins, and body of the wine.

Finally, jot down your notes. This will help you remember what you liked about each wine and will be useful for referring back to in the future.

All in all, wine tasting can be daunting at first, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right approach, anyone can learn the basics and enjoy the wines they drink. So, don’t be afraid to take the plunge and start tasting!

The Bottom Line

Wine tasting is a great way to learn more about the culture and history of wine, as well as to discover new wines, varietals, and regions. As you become more familiar with the five s’s and learn more about wine, your wine-tasting skills will improve, and you can confidently identify and distinguish each wine’s different flavours and aromas. With patience and practice, anyone can become a wine-tasting expert in no time.

If you’re interested in buying wine for investment, we can help you. Cru Wine offers fine wine with a modern approach. Wine is a passion and a huge source of enjoyment. Our goal is to make it easier to buy wine. At the same time, we wish to provide you with a more enriched experience. Download our fine wine investment brochure today to learn more!

Cru Wine Ltd.

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