Tasting wine has been enjoyed since the beginning of the written word. Putting a wine to your lips is more than drinking a beverage, it's partaking in a tradition kept alive by scholars, poets, musicians, presidents, and gods. Enjoy every sip - wine is love.Tasting a wine is going to reveal everything it has to offer - after this is only another taste to confirm your initial thoughts.
Time to taste the wine. Take a small amount - enough to experiment with but not too much that you can't swallow it. Gently swish it around every crevice in your mouth (this ain't mouth wash! ...gently...). Different portions of your mouth and tongue will pick up different clues - saturate your mouth so you don't leave any clues behind!
With your tongue, feel the texture of the wine. Is it smooth? Does you're tongue suddenly feel dry? Remember to take your time during this process - don't take a sip and immediately swallow. Exploring the wine with your mouth takes time.
Now, let's slowly swallow the wine, examining the flavors and texture still as it slides down. Try to notice the last flavors picked up by the back of your tongue. Now focus on the finish. Now that the wine has been consumed, what flavors are left in your mouth? How long after your swallow do these flavors last? Do you notice any hints of new flavors after your initial taste?
Sometimes, it can take a second sip to confirm questions proposed by your original tasting.
