by Gerd Hirschmann
updated
Wed, Sep 28, 2011 08:59 AM
Wine is such a pleasurable experience, why would anyone find it
intimidating? This article is to show that although there are no
rules when it comes to how to taste and drink wine, there are ways
in which you can maximize the pleasure of your experience.
White wines should generally be served chilled, slightly warmer
than refrigerator temperature and red wines at or slightly below
room temperature.
It is best to enjoy wine in a wine glass and one that is made from
crystal, it really does make a difference. Although you might
prefer to drink wine from any container rather than not drink it at
all, you will find that a wine glass really does enhance the aromas
of the wine.
It is recommend that you pour about 3 to 5 ounces of wine into
your glass, leaving your glass only about one third to one half
full. This will give you the room to gently swirl the wine in the
glass by holding the glass upright (please!) and moving it in a
small circular motion parallel to the floor (best is to keep it on
a flat surface such as the table). The stirring releases the aromas
into the open space in the glass. Then you lift the glass to your
nose and inhale deeply. Most of the flavors from wine are
experienced in the aroma and not the taste, so it is the most
important step.
Open your mind to your senses, and delight on the memories and
associations that the wine brings to you. Does it remind you of
apricots, fresh cherries, blackberry pie that your mother used to
make? Or dirty socks? Do you smell strawberry fields forever-or
remember what it smelled like in a silo or cow barn? Wine grapes
contain many flavorful and aromatic compounds that are the same
compounds found in other fruits, foods, or related matter. During
fermentation, yeast creates many additional complex aromatic
compounds that are the same as found in other fruits and foods. Oak
barrel aging also adds flavor and aroma. The combination of all of
these aromas is complex and dynamic and can make for a really rich
experience.
After savoring the aromatic qualities of the wine in your glass,
you are finally ready to take a sip. Take a nice sized sip and
swish it around your mouth, delight in the sensations. You may even
want to sip a little air into your mouth at this time. Once you
swallow the wine, think of how pleasing the wine is. Most
important, do you like it? Be honest, not everybody likes beets or
brussel sprouts, so feel free to say what you think. From that
basic question, you can get more profound in your analysis. Is the
wine tart or sweet? Does it have a nice texture or is it bitter?
After all, scientists say we can only taste sweet, sour, salty,
bitter, and "umami," a savory character. That is why most of wine's
"flavors" are in the aromas.
Do not think too hard while drinking wine! Sit back, relax, and
enjoy your wine, your company, your environment, your life.
Occasionally, re-try the stir, the smell, sip again and notice how
wine really does change with time-just as life itself.
Tagged:
wine, tasting
