Mar
18
Michael’s Wine Rating System and How To Taste Wines
My system for rating groups of wines at a tasting is simple – in fact, I think it’s the simplest rating system in the world, and it works very well!
If I like it a lot, I give it a ++. If I like it, I give it a +. If I don’t like it, I give it a –. It’s just that easy!
The idea behind wine tasting is as simple as this: Slow down, relax and take the time to think about what you’re drinking.
First, examine the color. Is it clear or hazy, transparent or opaque? Next, take a deep sniff. Swirl the wine to allow aromas to escape as the wine “opens up” in the glass. Does it smell like fruit? Flowers? Road tar or sweat socks? Finally, take a drink. Swish it around in your mouth, sensing not only its taste but also its texture and weight, often described as “mouth feel.” As the moment of tasting becomes swallowing, let the memory of the wine on your palate “speak” to your own taste. The aftertaste, or “finish,” of a wine can be brief or lengthy, extraordinary or off-putting, but is usually a major influence in our ultimate enjoyment of a favorite wine.
Don’t judge a wine solely on its looks – enjoy it with all of your senses – even sound! Listen as all of your tasting senses tell you what you like (or dislike) about each wine. Never underestimate the importance of smell. We actually smell most of the things that we think we taste. Our taste buds can discern only four flavors – sweet, sour, salt and bitter – while the nose is capable of discerning thousands of subtle variation of scents, distilling sensations even from the recesses of memory.
Remember, when other tasters voice their opinions, expertise and the opinions of friends should never overrule your individual preference. While the wine writers of our time point us in the right direction, it doesn’t mean you’re always going to agree with them.
Helpful tip: Save your receipts when you buy wines, and mark each wine on the receipt as I have suggested. Pretty soon your wine merchant will be able to help you build a “tree” of the things you like!
