Wine Tasting Notes 101: How to Taste Wine (Without Sounding Pretentious!) ~ Part 2

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Have you ever read the back of a wine bottle and wondered how on earth anyone is smelling "wet slate," "leather," or "hints of gooseberry"? It can feel like wine experts are speaking a completely different language.

But here is a secret: you don’t need to be a professional sommelier to write great wine notes. Tasting is entirely subjective, and your wine journal is a judgment-free zone!

Tasting wine isn't about guessing what a critic thought; it’s about discovering what you enjoy. Today, we're breaking down a simple, 4-step observation process that will have you logging your bottles like a pro.

The Simple 4-Step Tasting Process

To get the most out of every glass, try breaking your notes down into these four steps the next time you uncork a bottle:

1. Look

Before you sip, hold your glass up against a white piece of paper or a bright window. What is the color and clarity? Is your red wine a deep, moody ruby or a bright garnet? Is your white wine a pale straw color, or does it lean towards a rich amber gold? Don't forget those vibrant salmon rosés, either!

2. Smell

Give the glass a sniff right after pouring to get your first impressions. Then, give it a good swirl! Swirling introduces oxygen to the wine, which releases the aromas. Take another sniff—notice how the scents open up and change after a good swirl?

3. Taste

Take a sip and let it coat your mouth. Here, you're looking for two things: structure and flavor. Notice the structure first—the sweetness, the mouth-watering acidity, the mouth-drying tannins, and the overall body (does it feel light like water, or richer like whole milk?). Then, pinpoint the actual flavors, whether it's bright fruits, baking spices, or earthy notes.

4. The Verdict

This is the most important part of your journal entry! Write down your honest rating, who you shared the bottle with, and what you paired it with. Did it make an everyday pizza night feel special, or did it pair perfectly with a grilled steak?

Curated Gear for Your Next Pour (Commissions Earned):

To accurately capture all those complex aromas and colors, having the right glass makes all the difference.

• Wine Tasting Glasses – If you really want to elevate your tasting game, these are a must-have. They are specifically shaped and constructed to focus the wine's bouquet straight to your nose, making it incredibly easy to catch those subtle fruit and spice notes. 
  
  (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

Approachable Journaling

Seeing it all broken down makes it easy to see how approachable and functional tracking your wine journey can be. If you want to jump straight into logging your favorite finds without the guesswork, grab a stack of my printable tasting inserts to use on your favorite clipboard!

👉 Click here to get your Wine Tasting Journal pages in my Etsy Shop!

Next up in the series: Part 3: How to Host a Wine Tasting at Home (The Ultimate Guide!)

Catch Up On The Series

Missed a post or want to refresh your memory? You can catch up on the full wine journey here:

• Check out Part 1: How to Start a Wine Tasting Journal

Thanks for stopping by!

Becca

***While I'm thrilled to share my step-by-step directions, the good and the bad, these are intended for your personal use. I'm always happy to hear and see what my bloggers have been working on. BUT a lot of work goes into these creations and while I have no issues sharing so you are able to create the work for your precious homes please understand that selling an exact duplication of my designs is highly frowned upon. :( Please always be considerate of another artists work. Thank you!***