Discovering Red Wine by Taste

Discovering Red Wine by Taste

Are you looking for a red wine and want to start from your own taste? First consider what you like in the glass: are you looking for something light or full-bodied? Do you prefer fruity impressions or rather spicy notes? A wine you have already enjoyed can also be a useful starting point.

What do you like about red wine?

You do not need technical terms to describe your preferences. Note what you noticed about the last glass: was it pleasantly fresh, smooth, or noticeably astringent? Did the wine seem light or full in body, and how long did the flavor remain after swallowing? What would you choose again next time, and what would you prefer to be different?

Technical terms as orientation, not as a hurdle

Anyone who studies wine tasting sooner or later encounters terms like fruit, acidity, tannin and body. These words describe what is actually perceived when smelling and tasting, and they help to put a first impression into words. An aroma wheel, as used in wine language, divides scents into groups from fruity to spicy and can provide an initial orientation. You do not need to memorize this system — it is sufficient to take your own perception seriously and record it in your own words.

What food is on the table?

If you are looking for red wine to go with food, describe the whole dish. In addition to the main ingredient, include the sauce, spices and method of preparation. Do you want the wine to be a familiar companion, or would you like to try something new? The method of preparation — roasted, braised or raw — also changes which wine is suitable.

Start with a specific question

Combine your wishes in one sentence: "I am looking for a fruity red wine for a mushroom quiche." Replace the taste and the dish with your own preferences to narrow your search. The more specific the question, the more precisely a suitable wine can be found.