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How to Taste at the Cellar Door
There's no better way to discover personal preferences, differing wine styles and vintage and regional variations, than at cellar door. But you don't need to be an expert. Even the most knowledgeable winelover keeps tasting, talking, reading and drinking wine – there's always more to learn.
Look
First, look at the colour. White wines may vary from almost colourless through to pale green right up to deep, rich yellow, while in red wines the colour ranges from deep, dark burgundy through to brick red and bright plum. These qualities are determined by the grape itself, but they are also the legacy of the terroir – a French word which embraces not only the soil, but also the vineyard aspect, rainfall, and much more.
Sniff, Sip, Spit
Swirl the wine around in the glass to release the aroma before taking a good, deep sniff – put your nose right in the glass. Then sip, letting the wine loll around your mouth. Next is 'the spit', especially important if you are driving; it is the only way to ensure that you can taste at all the vineyards you plan to visit.
Drink
Make sure you drink lots of water – there will be a jug on the counter at all cellar doors – and stop for a meal or snack as you go. If you're in a group, decide in advance whose turn it is for an alcohol free day so driving is not a problem.
Learn
Don't hesitate to ask questions. You will not only learn about the wines you are tasting, but also the universal language of wine. Then, next time you hear someone talking about 'farm yard' or 'cigar box' characters, you'll know the exact taste or smell they mean.
Generally taste dry before sweet, white before red, light before heavy. Try not to taste too many wines at one time, particularly if you want to visit three or four wineries in one day. Palate fatigue is not just about getting tired; it really is difficult to distinguish and appreciate the characteristics of each wine once you've tasted too many.
Some cellars charge a small fee to cover the costs of tastings. With the increasing costs of providing good facilities and knowledgeable staff, this is a worldwide trend and ensures that you receive professional service in pleasant surroundings.
Article from www.visitvictoria.com.