"Wine makes every meal an occasion, every table more elegant, every day more civilized." — André Simon
Dearest Wedding Enthusiast,
There's other wine types out there besides Moscato. From this blog post and onwards, you will only drink Moscato after dinner and during dessert. It's literally a dessert wine!
Say it with me, " I, (insert your name here, will experience other wine varietals, because I deserve it." Mmkay, you made a commitment and here at The Whiskey Writer we take commitments SERIOUSLY. So seriously, we curated four blog posts in one hour while working off of a Celsius energy drink (if you know you know).
So, picture this — you're out with friends or at a dinner party and someone orders a bottle of wine. The first few glasses are poured, and you take a sip... only to realize that you have no idea what you're supposed to be tasting. Suddenly, the $15 glass of wine you ordered is starting to taste like grape juice.
Don't worry, and we're here to help. With just a few simple tips, you can train your taste buds to pick up on the subtle (and not-so-subtle) flavors in different wines. So the next time someone opens a Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon bottle, you'll be able to impress your friends with your keen taste. Who knows, maybe they'll even stop ordering Moscato themselves *inserts side eyes*.
W.W. Insight: To our brides — we recommend no more than three types of wines at your wedding, this will include light-bodied, medium-bodied, and full-bodied wines. Take into consderation the time of year, too. Your wine list can be made up of a Pinot Grigio, Rosé, and a Cabernet. Keep it simple. If you have too many options you will end up spending more and having way more than you need. If you're still unsure of the types of wines to offer reach out to your wedding bar service provider and they can work with you on this!
First Things First: Consider the Color
Wine experts will tell you that one of the easiest ways to determine the flavor profile of a wine is by its color. A white wine's color can range from straw yellow to golden yellow, while red wines can be anything from purple to brick red. The darker the color, the more body the wine will have.
So, if you're new to wines, we recommend starting with lighter options like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir. These wines are more versatile and more accessible to pair with food than their full-bodied counterparts. Plus, they tend to be more affordable, which is always a bonus.
Be On the Lookout for Aromas
One of the most important things to look for when tasting wine is its aroma. Different grapes produce different aromas, so it's helpful to familiarize yourself with some of the most common ones. For example, Sauvignon Blanc often has notes of grapefruit or citrus, while Chardonnay typically has aromas of apple or pear. Similarly, Pinot Noir usually has aromas of strawberry or cherry, while Cabernet Sauvignon often smells like blackcurrant or cedar. Once you've identified the aromas in a particular wine, try to pinpoint how intense they are. Are they subtle or overpowering? This will give you a good indication of how much body the wine has and whether it's fruity or dry.
Let Your Taste Buds Be Your Guide
Of course, the best way to learn about different wines is by drinking them — preferably with cheese and crackers (or your favorite appetizers) or your favorite Charcuterie board. As you take your first sip, pay attention to how sweet or dry the wine tastes. Is it light-bodied or full-bodied? And most importantly, do you like it?
If you struggle to identify specific flavors, don't worry—it takes time and practice. Most importantly, you're enjoying yourself and trying new things along the way.
Conclusion
Learning how to taste wine doesn't have to be complicated — or expensive. By keeping an eye on color, smelling for familiar aromas, and letting your taste buds be your guide, you'll impress your friends with your knowledge in no time. So, order that bottle of Chardonnay — we won't judge.
Are you interested if offering a wine selection at your event and just don't know where to start? The Queens Chalice wants to hear from you and help you make a smooth wine decision!
Signed — The W.W
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