Writing Wine Tasting Notes

Writing Wine Tasting Notes

Wine tasting is a fun activity to do in a social group. It allows the drinker to become more aware of how a variety of wines can affect their taste buds, and it is an excellent way to learn about different wine regions, grapes, and growing conditions. It is also a great way to get an idea of what wines you might like to buy on your own.

But wine tasting notes can be a bit intimidating for beginners. Whether you’re taking them in your own wine journal geared toward this purpose or in a regular spiral notebook, there are a few things you should keep in mind when writing wine tasting notes to make sure they’re useful and easy to read by others.

First, note the color of the wine. This can tell you a lot about the wine, including how it has been aged and how much acidity is in it.

Next, write down the aromas you can smell. It’s helpful to break down the wine into aroma clusters, such as fresh fruit and citrus, floral, or spicy, to make it easier to identify specific scents. Then notice the intensity of each aroma. Does it linger on the nose, or fade quickly? Once you’ve written down the aromas, determine which one is most prominent and what it might remind you of.

Once you’ve nailed down the aromas, move on to the palate. Pay close attention to the body of the wine – is it watery and thin-consistency, or rich and full-bodied? Notice how the wine makes your mouth water, if there are any acidic flavors that make you pucker, or if the wine has tannins (the dry sensation you get in strong black tea). Finally, notice the finish: Is it short and bitter, long and complex, or just right?

Aim to capture all of the information about the wine in your notes, but don’t forget that this is supposed to be a fun and relaxing experience. Trying to be too formal can take the fun out of the whole process. You might even lose the ability to express your own personal style and appreciation of the wine!

And of course, it’s always a good idea to have a designated driver or to arrange for someone to pick you up after the tasting. Never drive after drinking alcohol!

Tags:wine cooler