Wine Tasting: An Art and a Science

Is wine tasting an art? Indeed, it is. This activity encompasses a blend of sensory perception, subjective interpretation, technical skill, creativity, and cultural appreciation. Let's delve into the multifaceted nature of wine tasting and explore its artistic and scientific dimensions.

Sensory Experience

Wine tasting engages multiple senses: sight, smell, taste, and even touch. Tasting involves discerning subtle flavors, aromas, and textures, which require a refined palate and keen observational skills. Just as a painter uses colors and brushes to create a masterpiece, a wine taster uses their senses to appreciate the nuanced flavors and scents of a wine.

Subjectivity

Like any art form, wine tasting is highly subjective. Different tasters may interpret the same wine in various ways, influenced by personal experiences, preferences, and cultural backgrounds. This subjectivity is what makes wine tasting an art. Each taster brings their unique perspective, which adds depth and complexity to the tasting experience.

Technique and Skill

Skilled wine tasters develop techniques to enhance their tasting abilities. They understand wine terminology, learn to identify specific aromas and flavors, and practice eloquently describing wines. This skill is akin to the practice and refinement of an artist's technique. By honing these skills, wine tasters can better appreciate and communicate the intricate details of a wine.

Creativity

Winemakers express their creativity through the blending of grapes, fermentation processes, and aging techniques. Wine tasters interpret and communicate the uniqueness of each wine, much like a critic describes an artist's work. This creative process elevates wine tasting to the level of an art form.

Cultural Context

Wine tasting is deeply embedded in cultural traditions and practices. Wine regions have their own histories, stories, and styles that contribute to the overall tasting experience. This cultural context further enriches wine tasting as an art, as it allows for a broader understanding and appreciation of different wine cultures.

Translating Art and Science

While wine tasting is an art, it is also deeply rooted in science. The process of winemaking involves chemical and biological processes, such as fermentation, malolactic fermentation, and aging in different types of oak barrels. These scientific aspects are crucial to the taste and character of the wine. Just as an artist must understand the properties of their medium to create a masterpiece, a wine taster must understand the science behind winemaking to appreciate the complexities of the wine.

Personal Development in Wine Tasting

Anyone with half a brain can get skilled at wine tasting. The major wine publications and critics often bamboozle the public into believing they possess some sort of special tasting ability. However, this is not the case. Experiencing and training your palate is key. For example, using tomato sauce to identify different flavors can help you develop your tasting skills. Try adding salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and other ingredients to a sauce and practice identifying them. By connecting your brain to your mouth, you can enhance your tasting abilities.

The Art of Identification

Let me share a personal anecdote. My father, a police commander, taught me identification techniques at a young age. Wine tasting, in a way, is similar. It requires practice, dedication, and a keen sense of observation. There are experts like Jancis Robinson who can discern specific characteristics in a wine, such as identifying a 1961 Latour. However, such skills are rare.

The Dope on Wine Tasting

Wine tasters and winemakers can exhibit behaviors that detract from the enjoyment of the experience. For example, one winery owner I knew believed he was a super-taster, able to detect subtle flavors like bacon fat in a Viognier. This is not a common ability, and it detracts from the enjoyment of the wine. Similarly, another winery owner perceived a Malbec as being too leathery, showcasing a lack of nuanced tasting.

Finding Your Own Taste

Wine tasting is both a science and an art. It's important to develop your palate and not be afraid to try new things. Taste wines you like and wines you don't like. Experimentation is key. Whether it's a Spanish Cava, an Argentine Malbec, or a Mollydooker, the experience of wine tasting should be enjoyable and enriching. Wine tasting isn't merely about the financial aspect; it's about discovering new flavors and experiences.