By Rebecca Ward
You’ll be a wine buff in no time with this step-by-step guide to wine tasting at Cellar Doors.
There’s no better way to discover personal preferences, differing wine styles and vintage and regional variations, than at cellar doors or wine events and festivals. But what do you do when you get to a cellar door?
Although the experience can sometimes be intimidating, the main rule is; ‘Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions’. There are no wrong, silly or stupid questions. Cellar door staff are there to help, and by asking questions you will not only learn more about the wines you are tasting, but also the universal language of wine.
When it comes to tasting the wine, follow these three simple steps: LOOK, SMELL and TASTE.
LOOK
You can tell a lot about wine by simply looking at it, for example, a rich red that stains the glass when the wine is swirled lightly, indicates a full-bodied wine. Pay close attention to the colour and clarity.
SMELL
To get a good impression of your wine’s aroma, gently swirl your glass and take a quick sniff to gain a first impression. Now stick your nose down into the glass and inhale deeply. What do you smell? Oak? Berry? Citrus? Vanilla?
A wine’s aroma is an excellent indicator of its quality and unique characteristics.
TASTE
To properly taste the wine, first take a sip, swish it around in your mouth, and then swallow. Swishing the wine in your mouth brings out the rich and bold flavours of the wine. After swallowing, you will be able to distinguish the after taste of the wine, and the overall flavour.
Let the staff guide you
It is important to remember that everyone’s palate is different and we all like different styles of wine. The most expensive bottle may not be the one you enjoy the most. Be open and try a number of different wine styles. Let the cellar door staff guide you through the experience, pace yourself and don’t forget to drink plenty of fresh water. Drinking water will keep you hydrated and refresh your palate.
At the end of the tasting:
Don’t forget to thank your host, write down the wines you liked and ask about freight options. If you’re at a small winery with no tasting fee, it’s always recommended to buy at least one bottle to take home.
For more facts about wine, consult RESCU’s White Wine Cheat Sheet.
PHOTO: ECHO RIDGE WINES
Lot 1, Oakey Creek Road, Pokolbin, NSW 2320
Tel: (02) 4998 6714
