TASTING GUIDE



VISUAL EXAMINATION

The first impression of a wine is its appearance to the eye:

Color
Clarity
Fluidity
Effervescence (for sparkling wines)

It is sometimes said that the eyes are not as important for judging a wine's quality as are the nose or the mouth. But an expert can tell by looking at a wine if it is basically sound - that is, clear, bright and free of sediment - or if it has defects that will be confirmed by smelling and tasting.

Color

After noting the primary color - red, white, or rose - points to be considered are the tone, the intensity and the hues within each color category. This is done by filling up a tulip shaped tasting glass until about a third full and holding it by the stem against a white background - a tablecloth or piece of paper. The glass is then tilted so that the wine extends from the depth of the bowl to a thin rim near the top. This brings the various shadings of color into full evidence .