I often get asked to suggest a good wine to people or to share my favorite. It actually isn’t that simple, because “my favorite” changes depending on what food it is being paired with or what occasion is being celebrated. I’ve had $100 bottles of wine and I’ve had $10 bottles of wine and each were favorites for that particular scenario. I have many wines that I come to again and again and can certainly make suggestions, but to be honest, “a good wine” is the one that you enjoy. It really just comes down to your personal preference. You may have to taste many different wine varietals from many different regions on your journey to finding your favorite one, but that is half the fun.Tasting is defined as the sensory examination and evaluation of wine, and in the professional arena, there is a method to the madness, but on the recreational front, although the terms may be the same, there is a much less analytical approach.Other than your own basic senses, and a bottle of wine, you can follow these simple steps (the 4 S's) to “taste” wine in a whole different way.First, SEE the wine. Tilt the glass at a 45 degree angle and in good lighting, evaluate the characteristics of the wine by sight. You are looking at the clarity, color, and intensity of the wine. There is a wide range of colors from yellow to amber in the white wine category and from a pale rose to a deep burgundy in the red wine category.Second, SWIRL the wine, or in the circle of winers, volatize the esters. The swirling action adds oxygen and helps to release the aroma.So, swirl and then SNIFF. Dip your nose deep into the glass and inhale deeply. Are the aromas faint or intense? Typical aromas in white wine are pronounced by light-fleshed fruit and the aromas of red and purple fruit are prominent in red wines. Some other scents might be of floral or herbal nature, or of oak or spice depending on the type of wine.This is an important step because 75% of what we taste is determined by our sense of smell, which brings us right into the next step, which is my favorite SIP. Take a medium-sized mouthful and hold for a few seconds. Then, draw air across your tongue to taste the esters in your mouth before finishing the sip. Note the texture, the complexity, and the finish of the wine. What flavors are present?Then, summarize. How would you describe the wine in one sentence? What stands out or makes the wine distinct, memorable?Repeat steps 1 through 4, over and over.Happy Tasting!
