Introduction

Wine tasting is often seen as a refined art, but it should be accessible to everyone. Follow this beginner’s guide to discover the five S’s of wine tasting: see, swirl, sniff, sip, and savor.

1. See

Observe the wine’s color, legs, and clarity. Hold the glass by the stem and tilt it against a white background to assess its richness and viscosity.

Top Tip: Thin, fast-moving legs indicate a light-bodied, low-alcohol wine, while wider, slower-moving legs suggest higher alcohol content and a fuller body.

2. Swirl

Swirling releases the wine’s aromas. Hold the glass by the stem and make small circular movements on a flat surface to create a whirlpool effect.

3. Smell

Take small sniffs and identify general aromas such as fruit, earth, wood, or floral notes. With experience, you’ll start to recognize more specific scents.

4. Sip

Take a small sip and let the wine move around your mouth. Notice:

• Tannins: Creates a drying, gritty sensation on the gums.
• Acidity: Produces a tingling, mouth-watering effect.
• Body: Light wines feel like skim milk, while full-bodied wines resemble cream.
• Alcohol: Higher alcohol levels create a warming sensation in the throat.

5. Savor

Evaluate the wine’s aftertaste. Does it linger, or does it disappear quickly? Trust your taste and focus on wines you enjoy rather than following popular opinion.

Guide to Pairing Food and Wine

Enhance your dining experience with these expert wine-pairing tips:

• Fat + Acidity: Acidic wines cut through rich, fatty foods (e.g., grilled salmon with Pinot Noir).
• Acidity + Acidity: High-acid wines complement acidic dishes like tomato-based pasta or citrus salads.
• Sweet + Sweet: Match sweet wines with desserts to balance flavors.
• Heat + Sweet: Spicy dishes pair well with wines that have residual sugar to mellow the heat.
• Fat + Tannin: Tannic wines soften against fatty foods (e.g., a Cote-du-Rhone with a burger).
• Salt + Wine: Salty foods enhance fruit flavors and soften acidity (try popcorn with Champagne!).

Bonus Tip: Regional food and wine pairings often work best—locals have already perfected them!

Conclusion

Wine tasting is a journey, and practice makes perfect. Experiment with different wines, take notes, and develop your personal preferences. Enjoy the experience!