Guidelines & Wine Tasting Tips

	Check the color of the wine. Wine is supposed to please the eye as well as the palate. Is it light or dark? Look for its clarity, brilliance and intensity.
	Swirl the wine first to release aromas. Then inhale taking short sniffs. Smells in a wine are referred to as its nose. Aroma refers to a single smell that you may detect. Bouquet refers to multiple aromas. This term is generally used when describing older wines. Your first impression is always the most accurate.
	Taste it. Chew it in your mouth for a little bit. Purse your lips and suck in a little air. Notice the subtle flavors. Sweetness of the wine is usually detected on the tip of your tongue. Acidity from items such as lemon or grapefruit, is sensed on the side of your tongue. Bitterness from tannin is at the back of the tongue. Does it feel light, medium or full (heavy) in your mouth? This describes the BODY of your wine. What does it feel like when you roll it around in your mouth? Smooth, silky, coarse, scratchy, gritty? This describes the "texture" or "mouthfeel" of the wine. The FINISHof your wine. How long did it last - short, medium, long?
	Think about what you've tasted. Its Age. Does it taste youthful or mature? Its Quality. Is it well made? Its Value. Is it worth the price? Likeable. Did you like it?

To really taste wine, remember what you're tasting - what you're smelling. Imagine different flavors and aromas as the wine sits in your mouth and try to fit them with the wine you're tasting.