The Art of Tasting Wine

	Look at the Wine
	Smell the Wine
	Taste the Wine

Wine can mean different things to different people, from the occasional drinker who simply enjoys �white wine�, to the connoisseur who just uncorked a fabulous 1982 Mouton-Rothschild from his extensive wine cellar. Both relish their experiences.

Either way, it comes down to what tastes good to you. However, with such a vast selection of wines from around the world, some really do taste better than others, depending on the grape, where and how it�s grown, and the manner in which the wine is made, bottled, and aged. One wine can be magnificent, another truly awful, no matter who�s tasting it. The trick is knowing how to taste �not merely drink�wine, and the good news is that you needn�t be a professional sommelier to do it right. Plus, once you�ve learned, choosing the right wine for your tastes becomes easy.

Wine tasting has degrees, too, but the basics include look, smell, and taste. At first, some of this might seem pretentious or clich�. However, it�s the only way to get the job done.

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1) Look at the Wine

Pour the wine into a clear wine glass, filling it no more than half way. Holding it by the stem�not the bowl�and away from you, tilt the glass slightly and, preferably against a white background, examine the wine�s color, clarity, and brilliance.

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2) Smell the Wine

Still gripping the stem, but with the glass now upright, gently swirl the wine so it dances up toward the rim. This aerates the wine, releasing its aroma or bouquet around the top of the glass. Put your nose just inside the glass and take a couple of sniffs. The wine should smell clean, not musty. Depending on the wine, expect a range of aromas, including, of course, grapes, as well as rose, iris, cherry, peach, honey, and vanilla.

3) Taste the Wine

While your olfactory senses continue analyzing the smells, take a sip. Don�t be afraid to suck the wine in with some air, even if it�s a little noisy. This further aerates the liquid and reveals its flavors. You should also �chew� or slosh the wine around in your mouth, spreading it all across your taste buds. Don�t swallow it just yet.

You�ll immediately taste what you�ve smelled. Also anticipate acidity, fruitiness, and texture (some say �mouth feel�). The astringency of tannins can be noticed on your inner cheeks. A �hot� wine will leave an alcohol burn in the back of your throat. Now swallow. The �finish� can leave the wine�s flavors lingering for a minute or two.

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