While conducting wine classes of different interest and educational levels at various locations, groups of people whose experience and knowledge vary widely influence the topics and approaches. But there is one constant in all my classes; something everyone who drinks wine should know, to help increase their appreciation. The basic five S’s of wine tasting (in order) which are:See Swirl Smell Sip and Savor (or Slurp if you prefer)I usually have students take a sip first before we go through the steps and just observe. Some will look at the wine and take a quick sniff on the way to drinking, but more just go right to sipping. Then, I ask “how did it taste?” After the initial reaction, we go through the exercise, concentrating on each step, emphasizing smell. I tell the students not to be afraid to stick their noses way into the glass and breathe deeply. They are asked to really think about the aromas they’re picking up. Then they sip again and savor by slowly inhaling and aerating the wine in their mouth.That’s when the revelation in wine tasting takes place. Focusing on peoples’ eyes when they taste again, I see the noses wrinkle and the eyes have blank stares when they dislike the wine. But when they like it, the eyes widen and even smile! That’s the point when the senses are excited as the wine reaches into the retro nasal passages and fills the mouth with flavor. So, whether you’re trying a new bottle of wine on your own or are sharing a new find with friends, make sure to go through the five S’s and really pay attention to the difference in what you’re tasting after your nose gets involved. If you like the wine, you can add a sixth S for Smile. You may not taste all the adjectives used in some written description of the wine, but you’ll sure know if you like it or not and be able to tell what a difference a smell makes.
