Here at Amélie, we truly feel that tasting wine doesn’t have to be (and should never be) intimidating! You don’t need to know the lingo or have an extensive background in wine to enjoy tasting and discovering new favorites. This guide is here to make wine tasting fun and approachable—no formalities or fancy jargon, just some simple tips to help you explore and enjoy.

If you prefer to learn visually, skip down to the bottom and watch a great video from Wine Folly that matches exactly with our easy to read text guide below.

Step 1: Setting the Scene

First, get comfortable! Wine tasting is more enjoyable when you’re relaxed. Find a cozy spot, pour a glass, and approach it like a mini adventure. If you’re tasting multiple wines, start with lighter wines (like whites) and move to darker, fuller-bodied wines (like reds).

Step 2: The Basic Tasting Process

Wine tasting can be as simple as following three steps: Look, Smell, and Taste. Here’s a quick breakdown:

1.Look: Start by taking a good look at the wine in your glass. Tilt it slightly against a light background to observe the color. White wines range from pale yellow to golden, while reds can be anywhere from ruby to deep purple. The color can hint at the wine’s age and intensity, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. Just enjoy the view. Learn more about a wine colors here.

2.Smell: Swirl your wine gently to release its aromas. Take a sniff and try to pick up any distinct scents. Don’t worry if you can’t place specific aromas—just enjoy whatever comes to mind! Sometimes, you’ll get notes of fruit, flowers, spices, or even something earthy.

3.Taste: Finally, take a sip and let the wine linger in your mouth for a few seconds. Notice the flavors and how they develop. Is it fruity, spicy, or earthy? Pay attention to the texture as well. Some wines feel light and refreshing, while others might be fuller and more robust.

Step 3: Key Things to Look for in Wine

When tasting wine, here are some characteristics that can help you get a feel for what’s in your glass

• Acidity: Wines with higher acidity feel crisp and refreshing. Lower-acid wines are softer and richer. Acidity is more prominent in whites and lighter reds like Pinot Noir.
• Sweetness: This ranges from bone-dry to sweet. Even “dry” wines can have a touch of sweetness, especially if they’re fruity. Taste for the level of sweetness and see what you prefer.
• Tannins: Found mostly in reds, tannins create a drying sensation. Wine tannins are natural compounds that come from grape skins, seeds, and stems, giving wine a drying, slightly astringent feel on the palate, especially in red wines. Wines with more tannins (like Cabernet Sauvignon) can feel bold and structured, while those with fewer tannins (like Merlot) are smoother.
• Body: This refers to how “heavy” or “light” the wine feels. Light-bodied wines are often refreshing and easy to drink, while full-bodied wines have a richer, more intense presence.
• Finish: After you swallow, notice the “finish.” Does the flavor linger, or does it disappear quickly? A long finish can be a sign of a more complex wine.

A note on sediment in wine: Wine sediment is a natural byproduct of aging, made up of grape solids, yeast, and tartrates, and though it may look unusual, it’s a sign of a minimally processed wine that can enhance complexity and depth. Unfortunately, the emphasis on super-processing and industrial scale of the U.S. wine industry over the last few decades has taught most consumers that sediment is bad, when, in actuality, it often reveals the character of a wine.

What to Look for in Different Wine Varietals

Every wine varietal has its own unique characteristics. Here’s a cheat sheet for what to look for in some of the most popular ones.

White Wines

Sauvignon Blanc

What to Expect: Bright, zesty, and fresh. Known for its high acidity and often displays green fruit flavors like lime, green apple, and pear, with a touch of herbaceousness (think grass or bell pepper).

Best Paired With: Seafood, salads, and light, herby dishes.

Chardonnay

What to Expect: Chardonnay can vary greatly depending on where it’s grown and how it’s made. It can be creamy and buttery (especially if oak-aged) or crisp and fruity. Look for flavors of apple, pear, and sometimes a hint of vanilla or butterscotch.

Best Paired With: Creamy dishes, seafood, and roasted chicken.

Pinot Grigio (or Pinot Gris)

What to Expect: Light, crisp, and refreshing. Pinot Grigio often features flavors of citrus, apple, and peach with a clean finish. It’s generally easy-drinking and perfect for a hot day.

Best Paired With: Light pasta dishes, salads, and seafood.

Riesling

What to Expect: Riesling can be sweet or dry, but it’s always aromatic. You’ll find notes of apricot, peach, and sometimes a bit of petrol or minerality. Its high acidity keeps it refreshing even when it’s on the sweeter side.

Best Paired With: Spicy food (Thai or Indian), pork, and duck.

Red Wines

Pinot Noir

What to Expect: Light to medium-bodied, with flavors of red fruits like cherry, raspberry, and strawberry. Often has earthy, herbal notes. Pinot Noir is known for its elegance and subtlety.

Best Paired With: Grilled salmon, mushroom dishes, and poultry.

Merlot

What to Expect: Smooth and approachable, with flavors of plum, black cherry, and chocolate. Merlot is usually medium-bodied with soft tannins, making it an easy choice for most occasions.

Best Paired With: Roasted meats, pasta, and burgers.

Cabernet Sauvignon

What to Expect: Bold and structured, with flavors of blackcurrant, blackberry, and sometimes a touch of green pepper. Cabernet is tannic, giving it a powerful, full-bodied feel.

Best Paired With: Steak, lamb, and hard cheeses.

Malbec

What to Expect: Inky and dark, Malbec often features flavors of black plum, blackberry, and a hint of cocoa or coffee. It’s full-bodied and smooth, with softer tannins than Cabernet.

Best Paired With: Barbecue, spicy dishes, and blue cheese.

Syrah (or Shiraz)

What to Expect: Spicy, dark, and robust. Look for notes of blackberry, blueberry, and pepper. In warmer climates (like Australia, where it’s called Shiraz), it can be jammy and rich.

Best Paired With: Hearty stews, grilled meats, and bold cheeses.

Carménère

What to Expect: Carménère has a smooth, medium body with flavors of red and black fruit, often accompanied by earthy, green pepper notes. It’s a unique choice with a bit of spice and savory flavors.

Best Paired With: Grilled vegetables, lamb, and savory dishes.

Tips for Trying New Wines

• Be Adventurous: Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Trying new wines is the best way to expand your palate and discover what you love.
• Use Wine Tasting Notes as a Guide: Many wineries and restaurants offer tasting notes. Use these as a guide, but remember that everyone’s palate is different. You may pick up different flavors, and that’s okay!
• Take Small Sips and Give it Time: When trying a new wine, take small sips and let the flavors develop. Sometimes the best characteristics reveal themselves slowly.
• Make Notes on Your Favorites: Keep track of the wines you enjoy. Note any particular flavors you liked or didn’t like, and use that knowledge when choosing future wines.

Wine Tasting Terms (Made Easy!)

If you want to talk about wine without getting too technical, here are some simple terms to help:

• Fruit-Forward: A wine that emphasizes fruit flavors.
• Earthy: Notes that remind you of the outdoors, like soil or herbs.
• Jammy: Think of thick, ripe fruit flavors, like jam.
• Mineral: A crisp, sometimes stony flavor often found in white wines.
• Spicy: Notes like black pepper, cloves, or cinnamon.

Enjoying the Experience

The best part of wine tasting is that it’s a personal experience. Don’t worry about picking up every aroma or analyzing every sip. Instead, focus on what you like, and enjoy sharing the experience with friends or family. Whether you’re sipping a light white on a summer afternoon or a cozy red on a chilly evening, let the wine add a little extra enjoyment to your day.

Tasting wine is an invitation to explore, savor, and appreciate a world of flavors. You don’t need to be a connoisseur to enjoy wine, so open up a bottle, pour yourself a glass, and let your taste buds do the rest. Join our Sip & Savor Wine Club to explore great wines, plus big savings on food and the wines you buy in-store and online!

Cheers! 🥂