Tasting wine in 4 simple steps

Whether you drink the occasional glass at home, visiting a restaurant or joining a wine tasting in Barcelona, knowing how to approach a glass of wine can make the experience even better. It is not about being a snob about wine but it adds a lot of fun to tasting a glass of wine. Tasting wine is not just about just drinking; it’s almost like playing a game of Cluedo; you are look for clues about the wine by observing, smelling, and tasting so you can understand what’s in your glass.

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has developed an internationally acknowledged structured approach to wine tasting that professionals and enthusiast around the world use. They use different levels but for the use of this wine tasting we apply level 1. Our sommelier is certified on level 3 and working on level 4. We use the level 1 approach to tasting during our wine tasting in Barcelona to make it easier for our guests. Here’s how you can apply it yourself in four simple steps.

Step 1: Appearance

The first step in tasting wine is to use your eyes and observe what’s in the glass. Hold the glass at a slight angle against a white background (like a napkin or a table cloth) and observe the following:

• Clarity: Is the wine clear and bright, or does it look hazy/cloudy?
• Intensity of colour: The colour of wine can tell you a lot. Like the possible grape variety, its ripeness and even about the wine’s age.
• Other hints: Older red wines may show a brick-orange rim, while aged whites can become golden.

Just from appearance, you begin to gather clues before even taking a sip.

Step 2: Nose

Next, gently swirl the glass so the wine makes waves. By doing this it releases aromas. You then take a deep sniff. Put your nose actually in the glass. The nose reveals a great deal about the wine’s character.

• Primary aromas come from the grapes: think as if you are in a store in front of the fruit and vegetable section. Which notes do you pick up? Think in terms groups of fruit such as; citrus fruit, red fruit, herbs, exotic fruit, etc. Tip: each nostril picks up different notes, so make sure to use them both (not at the same time though).
• Secondary aromas developed during the winemaking process, for example when a wine maker uses oak barrels or not. Aromas like butter or vanilla from oak aging or brioche and dough with sparkling wines.
• Tertiary aromas develop as the wine ages in the bottle, think of aromas such as leather, honey, or dried fruits.

Identifying aromas can help you anticipate how the wine might taste. Be aware, it is not an exact science so there is a level of subjectivity to it, which adds to the fun when discussing a wine.

Step 3: Taste

This is the main event (although many professionals would argue smelling is the main event): the actual tasting of the wine. Take a small sip and let the wine swirl across your tongue. Focus on the following features when you drink it:

• Sweetness: Is this wine bone dry, semi-dry, or sweet?
• Acidity: high or low acidity? Does your mouth start to water? Do you feel saliva on the side of your tongue? Is it pleasant? To a certain degree higher acidity often gives the sense of freshness. Too acidic is not good though.
• Tannin: For red wines, note how astringent or drying the wine feels, often on your teeth or gums. It is the same sensation when you eat spinach.
• Alcohol: Warmer sensations may suggest higher alcohol levels.
• Body: Is the wine light, medium, or full-bodied?
• Finish: How long can still taste the wine after you had a sip. The longer the better.

This step ties together structure and flavour, giving you a full picture of the wine.

Step 4: Assessment

Finally, take a moment to reflect. Is the wine balanced? In other words; do the acidity, alcohol, tannin, and flavours work in harmony? Or is there one feature that overpowers the others? How long do the flavours linger after swallowing?

A long finish often indicates better quality, while a simpler wine can still be enjoyable but perhaps less memorable. This final step helps you decide not only if you like the wine, but also why you like this specific wine.

Final Thoughts

Tasting wine using this easy structured approach transforms a casual drink into a thoughtful experience. By following these four easy steps - appearance, nose, taste, and assessment - you can better understand what’s in your glass and describe your wine with confidence. Don’t worry; in the beginning it seems like s lot of steps it once you apply it more often it goes really fast.

Next time you open a bottle or join our wine tasting in Barcelona, try this method. You’ll appreciate more and enjoy wine on a whole new level. We promise you: it is fun!