Discover Wine Tasting: Phases and Types of Tastings

Wine tasting is an essential experience to appreciate and understand the complexity of our wines. Wine tasting is not only a technique used by experts, but also an activity accessible to all wine lovers who wish to deepen their knowledge. Below, we explain what a wine tasting consists of, the different phases and the types of tastings that exist.

What does wine tasting consist of?

Wine tasting is the process of analyzing and evaluating wine through the senses of sight, smell and taste. This practice allows us to appreciate the unique characteristics of each wine, from its color to its aromas and flavors. It is an indispensable tool for winemakers, sommeliers and amateurs who seek to enjoy and better understand wine.

Phases of wine tasting

  1. Visual Phase
    • Color: Observe the color of the wine by tilting the glass on a white surface. Reds can range from purple to garnet, while whites range from pale yellow to golden.
    • Brightness: A bright wine indicates good acidity and freshness.
    • Body: The viscosity or “tears” that form in the glass when the wine is shaken indicate the alcohol and glycerol content.
  2. Olfactory Phase
    • Primary aromas: Smell the wine without swirling the glass to capture the primary aromas coming from the grapes.
    • Secondary and tertiary aromas: Shake the glass to release secondary and tertiary aromas from fermentation and barrel aging.
  3. Taste Phase
    • Attack: The first contact of the wine with the palate. Sweetness, acidity and tannin are perceived here.
    • Evolution: Analyzes how the wine develops in the mouth, its flavors and textures.
    • Finish: Observe the persistence of the wine, how long its flavors last after swallowing.

Types of wine tastings

  1. Vertical Tasting
    • Several vintages of the same wine are tasted to observe its evolution over time.
  2. Horizontal Tasting
    • Wines of the same vintage but from different wineries are tasted, allowing for a comparison of styles and qualities.
  3. Blind Tasting
    • Wines are tasted without knowing their identity to avoid prejudice and focus on their sensory characteristics.
  4. Technical Tasting
    • Focused on a detailed and professional analysis, ideal for winemakers and sommeliers.
  5. Sensory Tasting
    • It focuses on the overall experience, combining tasting with playful and educational aspects.

Wine tasting is an enriching practice that allows you to enjoy and better understand each bottle.