4 Ways to Build Your Tasting Vocabulary

David Ferrie

First things first, start reading. The backs of wine labels are a good place to begin.  Also wine blogs (like ours!) and publications like “Food and Wine” and “Wine Spectator”. Do this, not to memorize what certain wines taste like, but to become comfortable with the words used to describe the flavors and aromas of wines. The more you do this, the more you will begin to realize that certain flavor profiles attribute to certain wine varietals and regions.

Secondly, go to wine tastings. Here, the person who has selected the wines will suggest the flavors in the wine. You will find that, as the suggestion is made, the realization of that flavor will hit your consciousness. I like to sample my customers experiences at the tastings I conduct. It’s fun and surprising!

Afterwards, share the experience. Whenever you sit down and share a bottle with your spouse or friend or aquaintance, discuss the flavors you are experiencing. It will be difficult, at first, but stay at it.

Lastly, ask for help in the wine shop. That wine consultant is there to inform, teach and share the experience of wine – in words, of course.  Most are very approachable and eager to help. 

The more articulate you become, the more likely you will be able to select a wine you will love!