Wine Quiz - How to Taste Wine
Test your Knowledge on How to Taste Wine
Wine Tasting Basics
Proper Glassware: Use the right type of glass for each wine. Red wines generally require larger bowls to allow the wine to breathe, while whites benefit from narrower glasses to concentrate aromatics. Sparkling wines are best enjoyed in flutes to preserve their bubbles.
Serving Temperature: Serve wine at the correct temperature. Reds are best slightly below room temperature (around 15-18°C/59-64°F), while whites and rosés should be chilled (around 8-12°C/46-54°F). Serving wine at the right temperature maximizes its flavor profile.
Observing the Wine: Look at the wine against a white background to observe its color and clarity. The color can give clues about the grape variety, age, and even the region where it was produced.
Nosing the Wine: Swirl the wine gently in the glass to aerate it and release its aromas. Take a moment to smell the wine, as much of what we perceive as taste comes from our sense of smell. Try to identify different scents, like fruits, flowers, spices, or earthy tones.
Tasting and Savoring: Take a small sip and let the wine linger in your mouth before swallowing. Notice the initial flavors, the mid-palate (as the wine sits in your mouth), and the finish (the taste left after swallowing). Pay attention to the balance between sweetness, acidity, tannins, and alcohol.