Savoring Wine 101

While wandering around and eavesdropping at various social functions throughout the years, I am both surprised and dismayed by the number of people I find failing to truly savor in the full experience of wine tasting. I see some guzzling down their vinous beverage as if it’s Kool-Aid. And then I spot a few pretending they are enjoying the experience, but they only grimace when they sip it down. Only a few, in my experience, truly revel in the wine tasting experience. This should not be so. Period.

So why is wine tasting like getting their teeth pulled to some people? Or, at best, considered an activity only the extravagant, peacockish nouveau riches have time or capital to do. I don’t know. To me, savoring the appearance and flavor of wine is both relaxing and enjoyable, and I firmly believe that it can be the same for anyone willing to give it a try.
Okay, I’ll admit it. It may be true that—unlike Tootsie Rolls or chocolate brownies—wine appreciation takes an open mind and some education. The result of such exposure, however, is a deeper appreciation of various types of wines from all around the world; the acquisition of a more cultured, balanced, and well-rounded appetite; a lower stress lifestyle; and the opportunity to crown oneself a bona fide wine votary. And, believe me, there is hardly a better title in the world.

After saying what I have, I would like to address the rest of this article to those with a pioneering and adventurous spirit—those heretofore vinous amateurs, but willing to take the plunge into the wine tasting swimming pool. Don’t worry; I won’t push you into the deep end just yet. We’ll start with the bare, bare necessities.

Way before your first sip, prior to taking a sniff of the solution, and even before your initial glance at the liquid in the cup, remember this: you are here—about to indulge in the appreciation of a wonderful glass of wine—to relax, to enjoy, to smile. Leave your work at the office, your problems in the closet, and your worries in far, far away land.

Now that you know this, admire the glass of wine for its aesthetic, colorful, and beautiful appearance. Take time to notice the dark burgundy hue of a Merlot or the deep, crimson tint of a Shiraz. Marvel at its clarity. As I always say, a glass of wine is a piece of art.

Next, take the glass and slowly and easily swish it around a few times. This is why you’re not supposed to fill a wine glass to the brim, lest it spills during this step. Anyway, after the swirling motion, sniff the aroma from the wine. There will be no need to stick your nose into the glass; the swirling motion will have released the fragrance. Close your eyes and allow the scent take you wherever it leads you: a vineyard in Italy, a rainforest in Brazil, a farm in Australia. Let it calm your nerves. Yes…enjoy.

Then, the moment you’ve all been waiting for, take a drink of the vinous concoction. Swish it around in your mouth for a while. Let it make contact with every last one of your taste buds. Savor the flavor. You may wish to close your eyes again and let the sapor take you on another journey around the world. Just allow it to relax you. Bask in the experience.

Finally, swallow the wine and take a moment to relish the aftertaste. What does the finish have to say to you? Is it a bit dry, a bit sweet, or a lot of both? Are you relaxed yet? If not, start all over from step one and work your way down again. Follow these instructions until you can finally say “yes” to the last question. This is the joy of wine.