How to be a good taster?
How to be a good taster? The art of wine tasting has its artists. The work of a wine taster naturally goes beyond simply tasting different varieties. In fact, a sommelier possesses a set of specialized skills and knowledge to be able to evaluate and enjoy wine in all its complexity, a refined ability connected to his feeling… But what exactly are these characteristics? What is it that differentiates a good taster from an excellent one? Here we have the answer.
How to be a good wine taster?
Sommelier's palate
The number one requirement for being a good wine taster is having a palate that discerns the tiniest subtleties. This means being able to differentiate a wide range of flavors and aromas. A taster can unmistakably detect fleeting notes and nuances that often go unnoticed by aficionados. This skill comes with time and exposure to a vast breadth of wines.
Theoretical knowledge
A wine taster must know his subject: viticulture and oenology; understand the different types of grapes, wine regions, production methods and the factors that influence the taste and quality of wine. With this mastery under his belt, a sommelier will no longer have difficulty contextualizing each wine and appreciating its uniqueness.
Sensory Memory
The ability to recall and compare past sensory experiences is of the utmost importance. A taster does not hesitate to recall and compare the aromas and flavours of different wines tasted previously. It is this sensory memory that allows him to identify patterns and distinctive characteristics of each wine.
Transmit sensations
Being able to convey subtle perceptions in words is no easy feat. Transmitting the characteristics of wine clearly and precisely is an essential skill that a good taster acquires with experience. Over time, he or she will be able to distinguish aromas, flavours, body and other aspects of the wine at a glance and present them in a way that is understandable to the expert and amateur ear.
Great Objectivity
Like all art, wine tasting may seem subjective, but a good taster learns to be as objective as possible. Like any artist, his job is to evaluate each wine on its individual merits and not be influenced by personal biases. Objectivity is the cornerstone of providing an honest and accurate evaluation.
Lots of patience
When it comes to wine tasting, time and concentration are essential. A good taster is patient like a monk; he knows how to pay attention to the details at every stage of the tasting: from observing the colour to evaluating the aftertaste. Patience is very useful in life; and for a sommelier it is no less important; it is what conveys the appearance of the wine and allows for a complete evaluation.
Passion for Wine
Wine tasting is both an art and a science, and those who excel are those who possess an unconditional curiosity about wine. It is this passion that drives a constant desire to learn and improve, and a pleasure in sharing knowledge and experience.
Learn how to be a good taster with us
To be considered a good wine taster, you must possess three things: a combination of sensory skills, deep knowledge, and a great passion for wine. These qualities allow you to first appreciate the complexity of wine, and then externalize that appreciation. Do you have more questions? Are you wondering what a sommelier is? Or do you want to learn how to be a good taster?.
If you are starting your journey in the world of wine or are looking to perfect your skills, cultivating these characteristics will help you become an expert in wine tasting. Learn today with our wine tasting Barcelona and become an expert on the subject.