TASTE: This is the last examination
that you give the wine prior to your evaluation. Your
pallet will allow you to determine the “Balance”
of the wine and the essential quality for its’ aging
potential. Remember, there are only four flavors that
you can taste with your tongue, but there are also four
elements that you can sense as well that will complete
your evaluation of the wines being tasted. Note on your
tongue where you sense each of these elements. If a wine
is well balanced, no one element will stand out from the
other. Each component balances the other so that the
“mouth feel” is rounded. If a wine is balanced then
the wine will be one of quality, has aged well, or will
show aging potential.
You also want to note the “Finish” of the wine. After sipping the wine, move it around in your mouth…actually chew it to activate your salivatory glands. Now, close your eyes and swallow the wine. Count to yourself how long (in seconds) that the components of that wine stay on your pallet, and the aromas persist. This is called the “finish” of the wine and will complete your evaluation.
Now enjoy!
BALANCE
| ALCHOHOL | WARMTH, AND SMOOTHNESS ON THE MUCUS MEMBRANES |
| ACIDITY | THE TART FLAVOR ON THE SIDES OF THE TONGUE, IRRITATION OF THE GUMS, HIGH LEVEL OF SALIVA SECRETION |
| SOFTNESS | WARM MOUTH FEELING, SWEETNESS PERCIEVED ON THE TIP OF THE TONGUE, LITTLE, BUT THICKER SALIVA |
| ASTRINGENCY | PARCHING OR DRYING SENSATION IN THE MOUTH, PUCKERING OF THE MEMBRANES IN THE CHEEKS AND ON THE GUMS |
FINISH IN THE MOUTH
| 0 TO 3 SECONDS | BELOW AVERAGE WINE |
| 3 TO 7 SECONDS | AVERAGE WINE |
| 7 TO 10 | SECONDS EXCEPTIONAL WINE |
| 10+ SECONDS | GREAT WINE |
