Tasting Wine Like a Pro

The essentials for accurately assessing a wine’s character and quality

Seeing, smelling, tasting: the tasting of red, white, or sparkling wine follows a precise sequence. Both pleasure and curiosity play an important role, because every sip tells the story of the vine, the soil, and the one of the winemakers. With a few simple steps, a wine can be properly evaluated.

1. First impressions: sight

Hold the glass slightly tilted against a white background.

Color and clarity:

• White wine: from pale yellow to golden, the older the wine, the deeper the color.
• Red wine: from cherry red to deep ruby, an indication of grape variety and age.
• Sparkling wine: observe the bubbles (perlage): fine, steady bubbles are a sign of quality.

2. Nose to the glass: smell

Gently swirl the wine to release its aromas.

First impression:fruity, spicy, floral?

• Red wine:often dark fruits, spices, sometimes leather or chocolate.
• White wine:citrus, apple, exotic fruit, sometimes floral notes.
• Sparkling wine:freshness, yeast, sometimes brioche, a sign of traditional bottle fermentation.

Tip: inhale briefly through your nose, then exhale, this helps you perceive the nuances more clearly.

3. The moment of truth: taste

Take a small sip and let the wine roll across your tongue.

• Acidity:provides freshness, especially in white and sparkling wines.
• Tannins:noticeable in red wines, they give structure and aging potential.
• Body:light, medium, or full?
• Finish:how long does the flavor last? A long finish is a sign of quality.

Between tasting different wines, eat a piece of plain bread to neutralize your palate.

4. Pay attention to serving details

• Red wine:often best served slightly warmer (16–18°C) so aromas can fully develop.
• White wine:enjoy chilled (8–12°C) to preserve freshness.
• Sparkling wine:well chilled (6–8°C) to keep the bubbles lively.

5. Draw your conclusion

Write down your impressions or share them with friends. Wine tasting is not a competition; it’s a journey of discovery.

Image: Winetasting, Courtesy Thomas Rötting