So I am 4 weeks deep in a wine class that I am taking at a local wine bar!! Let's just say it's a great way to spend an evening...sipping and learning about some of the most wonderful wines in the world!! In the past weeks we have been focusing on wines from all over France while also learning how to appreciate wine like a Sommelier...a trained and knowledgeable wine professional. Before taking this class, I thought I knew the basics of wine tasting...first you swirl, then you smell, then you swirl, then you taste...don't forget to spit!! Seems simple! After class number one....I realized I was wrong!!! There are four parts to properly tasting and appreciating wine! This is the brief version!!
First, check the appearance! Is is clear...is it dull? Then intensity...light or dark? Now color...colorless or brown? Does it have legs, bubbles, any deposits? How about the rim...any color?
Now smell it!!! Is is clean or fowl? Light or pronounced? Youthful or oxidised? What do you smell?
The best part...tasting it!!! How sweet is it? Dry or luscious? Is it acidic? Is it tannic...does it make your tounge dry? How intense is the alcohol? What flavors do you taste? Lemon, black cherries, licorice, tar?
To conclude, was the wine terrible or was it outstanding? Does it need time to rest or is it past it's prime?
Now remember, ask yourself these questions next time you indulge...just like a professional!!!
*Tonight we are tasting and learning about Champagne!!! Sounds fun!!!
Cheers!!
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