How to Drink Wine 101

Swirl sniff

The delightful ritual of truly experiencing a glass of wine! It's more than just sipping; it's a sensory journey.

First, hold your glass by the stem. This prevents your hand's warmth from altering the wine's temperature. Now, bring the glass to your nose and smell. Don't just take a quick sniff; gently inhale, trying to identify different aromas. For red wines, look for notes of dark fruits like berries and cherries, perhaps a hint of spice like pepper or clove, or even earthy undertones like leather or tobacco. In white wines, you might find bright citrus notes (lemon, grapefruit), orchard fruits (apple, pear), floral hints (honeysuckle, acacia), or even a touch of minerality.

Next, gently swirl the wine in your glass. This increases its surface area, releasing more aromatic compounds. Take another sniff – notice how the aromas have evolved. Finally, take a taste. Don't just swallow! Let the wine coat your palate. What flavors do you detect? Do they echo the aromas? In red wines, consider the tannins – that drying sensation in your mouth – and the body, which can range from light to full. For white wines, pay attention to the acidity, which gives it a refreshing crispness, and the overall weight and texture. Enjoy the journey of discovery in each glass!

Here is an additional guide list of all the aromas and flavors for both red and white wines

Let's delve deeper into the fascinating world of wine aromas and flavors. This isn't an exhaustive list, as the nuances are endless, but it covers many common and intriguing notes you might encounter.

Red Wine Aromas and Flavors

White Wine Aromas and Flavors

Fruits: Red Fruits: Strawberry, raspberry, cherry, cranberry, red plum, pomegranate Dark Fruits: Blackberry, blueberry, black cherry, blackcurrant (cassis), fig, prune, raisin Cooked/Jammy Fruits: Stewed berries, baked cherry, jam Spices: Warm Spices: Black pepper, white pepper, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, star anise Herbal/Green Spices: Mint, eucalyptus, oregano, thyme, rosemary Floral: Rose, violet, potpourri Earthy: Leather, tobacco, mushroom, forest floor, barnyard, wet leaves Oak Influence (from barrel aging): Vanilla, toast, smoke, cedar, caramel, coffee, chocolate, butterscotch Other: Licorice, tar, game, balsamic

Citrus Fruits: Lemon, lime, grapefruit, orange zest Orchard Fruits: Apple (green, yellow, red), pear, quince Stone Fruits: Peach, apricot, nectarine Tropical Fruits: Pineapple, mango, passionfruit, lychee Floral: Honeysuckle, acacia, elderflower, jasmine, chamomile Herbal/Green: Grass, bell pepper, gooseberry, hay Mineral: Flint, wet stone, chalk, petrol (especially in aged Riesling) Oak Influence (from barrel aging): Vanilla, butter, cream, toast, almond, hazelnut Other: Honey, beeswax, brioche, bread dough

Remember, your ability to identify these aromas and flavors will develop over time and with practice. Don't be discouraged if you don't pick up on everything at once. The joy is in the exploration! Happy tasting!