European Home Rentals

Although it is easy to be intimidated by the ins and outs of tasting wine, there are really only six simple steps to know.
We will call them the six “S’s” of wine tasting, and with these tips you will have the confidence to explore the fine wines of the world in any location.

• Step 1; Holding your glass to the light See the colour of the wine.  Regardless if it is a red or white wine a newer, lighter wine tends to be very pale and weak in colour.  The more full-bodied and older the wine is, the deeper the colour.
• Step 2; Holding your wine glass by the stem or bottom of the bowl, Swirl the wine around the bowl of the glass to release the bouquet.
• Step 3; Put you nose into the glass and Sniff. You should be able to identify one or two fragrances, such as a fruity aroma like cherry or black current, a floral aroma, like rose, lavender or earthy aromas like hay or mushrooms
• Step 4; Holding your glass at eye level Slant it to the side and then back to level to see if the wine has “legs.” This refers to the density of the wine and how fast and many “trails” or “legs” the wine has.  The faster and thinner the “legs” run the younger or not as full-bodied the wine is.
• Step 5; Take a sip of the wine, hold it in your mouth, and Swish it around.  This will allow you to taste all the flavours of the wine.  Do not rush to judge the taste.  Wines taste different in different areas of the mouth and throat.  You are tasting the  “structure” of the wine, the melding of the acidity, tannins and the sugar.  Depending on their relative proportion they will either be sharper, more acidic, or dryer with more tannins.
• Step 6; The last thing you will taste when Swallowing your sip is the “finish”.  It is the time in which your tasting impression remains unchanged in your mouth.  This can be bold and “forward” in your mouth or smooth and silky with a lasting impression.

Remember the most important aspect of tasting wine is that there is no right or wrong answer.   We all have different likes and dislikes and our own opinions.  Even the most renowned tasters and wine connoisseurs disagree on wine.
These simple six steps will give you poise in tasting wine whether you are in a vineyard in Chianti, Italy, a Parisian Bistro, a Michelin-starred restaurant or even dining al fresco.  Learning about the wines of the wine regions of the world is a cultural and culinary adventure that will enhance your travels.
Click here to visit and discover the wine regions of western Europe with a short term apartment or villa rental with European Home Rentals, specialists in renting weekly short-term vacation rentals apartments, houses, cottages and villas in France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, England, Ireland, Scotland and Greece www.europeanhomerentals.com