Wine Tasting Like a Judge

By Paul Carfagnini

In the free world of wine appreciation, we feel every drinker has the right to pick their preferred wines, but here are some tips on "judging" a wine.  Just remember to look, swirl, smell, taste and savour, and you’ll be tasting wine like a connoisseur.  

Look at the wine and assess the colour.  Check if the wine is clear or dense.  Swirl the wine around in the glass for air it out and gain a sharper smell. 

Nose the wine for the smell.  Smell for fruitiness, flowers, or earthiness, hopefully not burnt toast.  Now you’re ready to taste by swishing the wine around the mouth, or as the experts say in vino lingo, chew the wine.  Taste the body or “mouthfeel”.  

Finally, what wine is all about…, savour the experience after each taste.  Sip and sit back and savour the wine and seize the moment.  If you like it, the wine is good because you are now a trained wine taster.