The Wine Savoury 5-Step Tasting Method

Wine tasting is not just about drinking wine — it is about appreciating the aromas, flavours, and character that make each wine unique. Follow these five simple steps to fully experience each wine.

  1. Look 👀

Begin by observing the wine in your glass.

Hold the glass against a light background and notice the colour and clarity of the wine. Younger red wines often appear deep purple or ruby, while older wines may develop brick or garnet tones.

This first step gives clues about the wine’s age and style.

  1. Swirl 🌀

Gently swirl the wine in your glass.

Swirling allows oxygen to interact with the wine, helping to release its aromas. You may also notice the “legs” or “tears” that form on the inside of the glass as the wine moves.

This step prepares the wine for the next and most revealing stage.

  1. Smell 👃

Bring the glass to your nose and take a slow inhale.

Wine aromas can reveal a wide range of characteristics such as:

  • Fruits (blackberry, cherry, plum)
  • Spices (pepper, clove)
  • Floral notes (rose, violet)
  • Earthy tones (leather, tobacco, forest floor)

Much of what we perceive as flavour actually comes from the aroma of the wine.

  1. Taste 👅

Take a small sip and let the wine move across your palate.

Pay attention to:

  • Sweetness
  • Acidity
  • Tannins
  • Body
  • Flavour intensity

Try to identify the flavours that stand out and how they evolve as the wine moves across your mouth.

  1. Savour 😋

After swallowing, notice how long the flavours remain on your palate.

This is known as the finish. Premium wines often have a longer and more complex finish, where flavours continue to evolve even after the wine is swallowed.

Take a moment to reflect on the overall experience before moving to the next wine.

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Wine Savoury – Wine Tasting Notes

Tasting Session Date: ________________

Participant Name: __________________

Wine tasting is about exploring the aromas, flavours, and character of each wine. Take your time to observe, smell, and taste before writing down your impressions.

Wine Sample No: ____________________

Region: ____________________________
Grape Varietal: _______________________

Appearance

Color / clarity notes:

Aroma (Nose)

What aromas do you detect?
(e.g. fruit, spice, oak, floral, earthy)

Taste (Palate)

What flavours do you notice?

Body

☐ Light
☐ Medium
☐ Full

Tannin

☐ Low
☐ Medium
☐ High

Acidity

☐ Low
☐ Medium
☐ High

Finish

How long do the flavours last after swallowing?

☐ Short
☐ Medium
☐ Long

Overall Impression

Rating (1–10)

Favourite Wine of the Session

Wine Name: ______________________________________________

Why did you enjoy this wine the most?

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Final Thoughts

Any additional comments about today’s tasting:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

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