Red wine can be an intimidating world for beginners, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re attending a wine-tasting event or enjoying a glass at home, knowing a few key tips can elevate your experience and help you fully appreciate each sip. The truth is, wine tasting is more about mindfulness than anything else—taking the time to notice, savour, and enjoy. If you’ve ever wondered how to get the most out of your glass of red, this guide is for you.
Why Bother With Wine Tasting?
Why not just pour a glass, sit back, and drink it? Well, you could, but you’d be missing out on the layers and complexities that a well-crafted wine offers. Think of it this way: would you eat a gourmet meal without appreciating the flavours? Tasting wine is like unlocking a whole new level of enjoyment. Plus, knowing what you like and don’t like helps you choose wines from Advintage NZ that suit your palate, making each glass a personalised experience.
The Key Steps to Proper Wine Tasting
Wine tasting isn’t as complicated as some people make it out to be. It’s just about paying attention to the right details. Here’s how to go about it:
1. Look at the Wine
Before you even take a sip, give the wine a good look. Hold your glass at an angle against a white surface (like a napkin or tablecloth) to observe the wine’s colour and clarity. The colour can tell you a lot about the wine’s age and type. Younger wines tend to be more vibrant, with shades of ruby or purple, while older wines may have a garnet or brick hue. A clear wine without sediments is a sign of quality, but a little cloudiness isn’t necessarily bad—it could just mean the wine is unfiltered.
2. Give It a Swirl
You’ve probably seen people swirl their wine before taking a sip. This isn’t just for show—it’s essential for releasing the aromas trapped in the liquid. Gently swirl your glass to coat the sides with wine and allow oxygen to mix with it. This process, known as aeration, helps the wine “open up,” enhancing its flavours and aromas. If you’re new to swirling, place your glass on the table and move it in small circles; that way, you won’t risk spilling it everywhere!
3. Sniff the Wine
This is one of the most crucial steps. Your nose can detect thousands of different scents, far more than your taste buds. Take a deep sniff, then think about what you smell. You may notice notes of fruit, spices, wood, or even earthy aromas like leather or tobacco. Wines can have primary, secondary, and tertiary aromas. Primary aromas come from the grapes themselves, while secondary and tertiary aromas are from the winemaking process and aging. Each sniff can reveal something different, so don’t rush.
4. Taste the Wine
Finally, it’s time to take a sip—but not too fast! Let the wine rest on your tongue for a moment, and think about the flavours you’re experiencing. Does it taste fruity? Spicy? Do you notice the texture? Is it smooth or tannic? Move the wine around in your mouth to cover all your taste buds before swallowing. This will give you a full sense of the wine’s complexity. After swallowing, pay attention to the “finish”—the lingering taste left in your mouth. A long, pleasant finish is usually a sign of a high-quality wine.
5. Take Notes
If you’re at a tasting event or trying multiple wines at home, it’s a good idea to take notes. This doesn’t have to be anything formal—just jot down what you liked or didn’t like. Over time, you’ll start to recognise patterns in your preferences, which will help you when selecting wines in the future.
The Different Styles of Red Wine
Not all red wines are created equal. Some are bold and intense, while others are light and easy to drink. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common red wine styles you’ll come across:
- Cabernet Sauvignon – Known for its full body and strong tannins, this wine often has notes of dark fruits like blackcurrant, as well as spices and cedar.
- Merlot – Softer and more approachable than Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot is medium-bodied with flavours of plum, black cherry, and sometimes chocolate.
- Pinot Noir – Light-bodied but complex, Pinot Noir is famous for its red fruit flavours like cherry and raspberry, along with earthy undertones.
- Shiraz (Syrah) – Bold and spicy, Shiraz is a full-bodied wine with flavours of blackberry, black pepper, and sometimes a smoky finish.
- Malbec – Originally from France but now Argentina’s star grape, Malbec is medium to full-bodied with rich, juicy fruit flavours and a smooth texture.
Pairing Wine with Food
Ever heard the saying “what grows together, goes together”? It’s a handy tip when pairing wine with food. If you’re unsure, match the wine with the cuisine from its region. For example, an Italian red like Chianti pairs beautifully with pasta dishes, while a rich Shiraz can stand up to a hearty steak. But don’t be afraid to experiment—wine and food pairing is as much about personal preference as it is about tradition.
Final Thoughts on Wine Tasting
Wine tasting is all about enhancing your experience, not following rigid rules. The more you practice, the better you’ll get at identifying flavours, aromas, and styles that you enjoy. So, next time you pour a glass, take a moment to truly savour it. Notice the colour, the scent, the texture—each sip will bring something new to discover. Wine tasting isn’t about being an expert; it’s about enjoying the journey, one glass at a time.
