How do you describe wine?

Describing wine is a bit like describing art or music - it's subjective and there are many ways to do it. But here's a breakdown of the key aspects to consider, along with some commonly used terms:

1. Appearance:

• Clarity: Is it clear, hazy, or cloudy?
• Intensity: How deep or pale is the color?
• Color: Use descriptive terms like ruby red, garnet, lemon yellow, golden, etc.

2. Aroma (Smell):

• Intensity: How strong is the aroma?
• Character: What do you smell?
  • Fruits: Berries, citrus, stone fruit, tropical fruit
  • Floral: Roses, violets, lavender
  • Herbal: Grass, mint, sage
  • Earthy: Mushroom, forest floor, truffles
  • Spicy: Pepper, cinnamon, clove
  • Oak: Vanilla, cedar, toast

3. Taste:

• Sweetness: How sweet is it? (dry, off-dry, sweet)
• Acidity: Does it make your mouth water? (low, medium, high)
• Tannin: Does it create a drying sensation? (low, medium, high - mostly in red wines)
• Body: How full does it feel in your mouth? (light, medium, full)
• Flavor: Similar to aroma, what flavors do you taste?
• Finish: How long does the taste linger? (short, medium, long)

4. Overall Impression:

• Balance: Are the elements (sweetness, acidity, tannin, etc.) in harmony?
• Complexity: Are there many layers of flavor?
• Quality: Is it well-made and enjoyable?

Examples:

• "This Cabernet Sauvignon is a deep ruby red with aromas of blackcurrant and cedar. It has full body, firm tannins, and a long finish."
• "This Riesling is pale yellow with aromas of citrus and honeysuckle. It's off-dry with high acidity and a refreshing finish."

Tips for Describing Wine:

• Use your senses. Don't be afraid to use descriptive language.
• Start with the basics. Focus on the main characteristics (color, aroma, taste).
• Compare and contrast. Think about how this wine is similar or different to others you've tasted.
• Practice. The more you taste and describe wine, the better you'll become.

Ultimately, the best way to describe wine is in a way that is meaningful to you. There are no right or wrong answers, as long as you're accurately conveying your experience.