How To Rate A Wine

Have you ever sipped on a glass of wine and wondered how it fares compared to other wines? With so many unique flavors and varieties, it can be a challenge to determine how to rate a wine. Whether you're a casual wine enthusiast or an aspiring sommelier, Black Wine Club is here to help you discover the fascinating world of wine. In this article, we'll explore the steps and techniques required to rate a wine like a pro, so you can impress your friends and elevate your wine-tasting experiences.

1. Observe the Appearance

The first step in rating a wine is to assess its appearance. Appearance plays a significant role in the overall sensory experience of wine tasting.

Color

Hold your glass up to a white background, such as a halogen light, to view a wine's color. You should look for wine that has a clear, bright and intense color. For red wines, observe the depth of color – a more intense hue may indicate a full-bodied wine. For white wines, the lack of color suggests a lighter, more refreshing wine.

Viscosity

Swirl your wine glass and observe the snaking legs, which indicate the viscosity. Viscous wines have more legs that move slowly down the glass, implying a higher alcohol content or sweetness level.

2. Aroma and Bouquet

The next step in rating a wine is the evaluation of its aroma and bouquet. The aroma is the smell of the wine itself, while the bouquet consists of the secondary odors that develop after fermentation.

Primary Aromas

Swirl the wine in your glass to release the aromas. Inhale deeply and identify primary aromas such as fruit, floral or herbal scents. The primary aroma should be intense and easy to identify.

Secondary Aromas

Once you've identified primary aromas, move on to the secondary aromas, which originate from the winemaking process. For example, a wine aged in oak barrels might exhibit scents of vanilla or toast.

3. Taste and Flavor Profile

Now comes the most enjoyable part: tasting the wine. The flavor profile of a wine includes a mix of primary and secondary flavors, as well as discrepancies in texture and balance.

Take a Sip

Take a small sip of wine, enough to cover your entire palate. Swirl the wine around in your mouth and take note of the flavors it presents. You may notice flavors like grass, berries, spice or citrus. Evaluate the intensity and complexity of these flavors.

Acidity, Tannins & Balance

Acidity can be detected by the tingling sensation at the sides of your tongue. Wines with high acidity are perceived as crisp or sharp. Tannins, on the other hand, can be detected at the back of your throat and are responsible for a dry sensation. These elements should be balanced, with neither dominating taste.

4. Finish and Overall Impression

Lastly, the wine's finish is crucial in determining its quality. A longer, more pleasant finish is considered to be a sign of a high-quality wine.

Finish

After swallowing the wine, gauge how long the flavors linger in your mouth. A lengthy finish can contribute to a higher rating.

Overall Impression

Consider the full sensory experience of the wine, from appearance to finish. Combine your observations to create an overall impression and give the wine a personal rating!

How To Rate A Wine Example:

A Real Life Example: Rating a Glass of Ruby Red Cabernet Sauvignon

Appearance: The wine has a deep red color with thick legs, indicating a full-bodied and viscous wine.

Aroma and Bouquet: The primary aroma consists of dark cherries and blackcurrants, while the secondary bouquet reveals oak and vanilla scents, suggesting it was aged in oak barrels.

Taste and Flavor Profile: The flavor profile is complex and intense, with notes of blackberry, plum, and a hint of chocolate. The tannins are robust, but well-balanced by the acidity in the wine, leading to a harmonious flavor.

Finish and Overall Impression: The wine's finish is long, with the dark fruit flavors lingering on the palate. The overall impression of this Cabernet Sauvignon is a high-quality, full-bodied red wine that deserves a high rating.

By following these steps, you're now equipped with the knowledge to rate a wine like a seasoned pro. Remember, the best way to develop your wine-rating skills is through practice – so start sipping, exploring, and rating those wines! Don't forget to share this article with fellow wine enthusiasts and continue exploring Black Wine Club for more exciting wine-related content. Cheers to your journey into the fascinating world of wine!