(Article courtesy of FineLiving.com.)
Get the jitters when your waiter pours that first glass of wine and expects the OK to pour for everyone else?
Here are some simple steps for tasting wine like a pro from Richard Sanford, owner of Sanford Winery & Vineyards in Buellton, Calif.
- Hold the glass by the stem: A wine glass is a great container for wine, so Sanford suggests that you take advantage of the design and hold the glass by the stem to avoid warming the wine. Holding it by the stem also keeps greasy fingerprints off the glass, allowing the beautiful color and clarity of the wine to be seen.
- Swirl to release esters: Swirl the wine around and around so that the esters in the wine can come out into the open part of the glass.
- Experience the aroma: The next step is to check the aroma, which is one of the most important parts of the wine experience. Put your nose right in the glass and inhale deeply.
- Savor the taste: Take a taste and move the wine around your mouth. Try to make sure all of your taste buds are covered by the wine.
- Say what you feel: Finally, swallow and think about the different aromas and flavors. Don't be afraid to give an opinion of the wine, even if it may not be what others want to hear.
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