First time wine tasting ? Don’t worry, we’ll help you! In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about this fascinating practice that is within everyone’s reach.
Preparing for wine tasting
The ideal environment
A wine tasting session needs a bit of setting as its environment can significantly impact the experience. To have the best session, here are some tips for optimizing the environment:
- Quiet Space: Choose a serene location free from distracting noises.
- Neutral Air: Avoid overpowering smells like cooking aromas or perfumes.
- Good Lighting: Ensure the room has enough lighting to accurately observe the wine's appearance.
- Correct Temperature: Serve wines at appropriate temperatures—7-10°C for whites and rosés, and 12-18°C for reds.
Essential tools
The environment is not the only condition to a great tasting experience. Indeed, you also need tools that will guarantee a fully satisfying moment.
Here's a list of essentials:
- Wine Glasses: Clean glasses with enough space for swirling the wine.
- White Tablecloth or Paper: Useful for examining the wine’s color against a neutral background.
- Spittoon: For spitting out wine during extensive tastings. You don't have to spit out the wine. The goal is for you to appreciate all its nuances in the mouth
The essence of wine tasting
An experience that appeals to all your senses
If you want to fully appreciate the wine, you need to taste it with all your senses.
To accomplish this, you need to apply the “5S” rule:
- See: Observe and note everything you can about the wine;
- Swirl: Swirl your glass to make the aromas fully come out;
- Sniff: Smell the wine and try to isolate the scents it evokes you;
- Sip: Take a sip of the wine and analyze the taste: is it acidic? What is its tannin (is it strong, soft?), does it have a distinctive flavor?
- Savor: Take a time to reflect on what you just tasted, did the different elements balance each other? How would you rate the quality of this wine?
A social activity
Tasting wine is a highly social activity, enjoyed within groups or friends or with family. These type of events bring us together over shared experiences. Themed tastings, where wines from a particular region or variety are featured, can be particularly enjoyable and fascinating.
Wine tasting parties are not only fun, they can also be educational. Indeed, professionals frequently hold open tastings to market their products while gathering feedback.
These typically offer educational value since everyone can share their knowledge along with the chance to sample a diverse range of wines.
Come Taste our wines At Silverhand Estate
At Silverhand Estate, we invite wine lovers to enjoy a memorable tasting experience. Our vineyard is located in the scenic countryside, less than an hour and a half from central London. It's the perfect destination for a relaxing day out. You’ll have the chance to explore our selection of wines, from fresh whites to rich reds. Whether you’re an experienced wine enthusiast or just starting, our team will guide you through the unique flavours of each bottle.
Not sure which wines to try? Here's a small selection by colour.
Taste Red Wine: Red 2017 AOP Côtes de Provence Terres de Berne
The Red 2017 AOP Côtes de Provence Terres de Berne is a remarkable blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, showcasing the richness and complexity of Provence reds.
With its deep ruby hue, this wine stands out for its bold and powerful character. Velvety and smooth, it offers a symphony of flavours, including dark chocolate, blackcurrant, spice, and a hint of jam.
It's the perfect companion for a selection of southern French cheeses, or for a hearty sausage cassoulet. This is a wine meant to be savoured, making every sip a memorable experience.
Taste White Wine: Still White 2022 Silverhand Estate Chardonnay
The Still White 2022 Silverhand Estate Chardonnay is a radiant expression of this classic grape.
With its rich, golden honey hue, it captures attention from the very first glance. On the nose, you'll be greeted with vibrant aromas of fresh pineapple and papaya, offering a tropical freshness. The palate reveals a buttery, smooth texture with a perfectly rounded finish, making this Chardonnay a truly indulgent experience.
It’s an elegant wine that showcases the craftsmanship of Silverhand Estate, ideal for both casual sipping and pairing with fine cuisine.
Taste Rosé wine: Rosé 2021 AOP Côtes de Provence Berne Grande Cuvée
The Rosé 2021 AOP Côtes de Provence Berne Grande Cuvée is an award-winning blend that embodies the true essence of Provence. Crafted from a harmonious combination of Grenache Noir, Syrah, Cinsault, and Carignan, this rosé has earned a Gold Medal at the Concours des Vins de Provence.
With its fresh and expressive character, the Berne Grande Cuvée strikes a delicate balance between fruity notes and refined elegance.
Its smooth texture and sophistication showcase the mastery of winemaking at Berne, leaving you longing for more with every sip.
Taste Sparkling Wine: Sparkling White NV Silverhand Estate Silver Reign
The Sparkling White NV Silverhand Estate Silver Reign is a celebrated first release from Silverhand Estate, crafted using the Charmat method (tank fermented) and offering a truly delightful tasting experience.
This award-winning sparkling wine has received recognition across multiple prestigious competitions, including a Bronze Medal at Effervescents du Monde 2024, a Gold Medal at the People's Choice Wine Awards 2024, and Silver and Bronze Medals at both the London Wine Competition 2023 and the WineGB Awards 2024.
Made from a blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay, it bursts with flavours of citrus, pear, and green apple. Produced in the heart of the Kent countryside, Silver Reign embodies the freshness and vibrancy of English wine, all while remaining accessible in price. It’s the perfect choice for those looking to explore the elegance of English sparkling wines.
Tips for the tasting technique
Next, give the wine a gentle swirl to release aromatic compounds. Bring the glass to your nose and take a moment to absorb the scents. To further help you describe what you can smell, try to compare the scent to fruits, spices, flowers, and even earthy elements.
Building a flavor vocabulary can help too. Use tools like a ‘flavor wheel’ to better identify specific notes. With practice, distinguishing between primary, secondary, and tertiary aromas will become a second nature to you!
The tasting phase
Sip the wine and allow it to coat your mouth. Pay attention to sweetness, acidity, tannins, and body. Swirl the wine in your mouth to detect underlying flavors that evolve over time.
Note the finish—the lingering taste after swallowing. Wines with complex characteristics often leave nuanced and lasting impressions.
Advanced tips for connoisseurs
Comparative tastings
Engage in comparative tastings to heighten your skills. Sampling similar wines side-by-side sharpens your ability to discern subtle differences.
Professionals often avoid strong-flavored food and drinks before tastings to keep their palate sensitive. Applying this technique allows a deeper appreciation of wine nuances and complexity.
Embarking on the journey of wine tasting enriches both your social and sensory experiences. By following these guidelines and regularly practicing, you'll soon find yourself savoring wine in ways you never thought possible! So grab a glass, invite some friends, and cheers to exploring the fascinating world of wine!
