Introduction
Wine tasting is both an art and a skill that anyone can learn. This guide will walk you through the five S’s of wine tasting: See, Swirl, Sniff, Sip, and Savor.
The Five S’s of Wine Tasting
1. See: Visual Examination
Before tasting, observe the wine’s appearance:
- Color intensity: From pale to deep
- Hue: Ranging from purple to ruby to brick (reds) or green-gold to amber (whites)
- Clarity: Should be clear, not cloudy
Pro Tip
Tilt your glass at a 45-degree angle against a white background to best observe the wine’s color and clarity.
2. Swirl: Aerate the Wine
Gently swirl the wine in your glass to release its aromas:
- Hold the glass by the stem
- Swirl in small circles
- Observe the “legs” or “tears” running down the glass
3. Sniff: Identify Aromas
This is where wine reveals its complexity:
Primary aromas (from the grape):
- Fruits, flowers, herbs
Secondary aromas (from fermentation):
- Yeast, butter, bread
Tertiary aromas (from aging):
- Vanilla, spice, leather, tobacco
Swirl an Aroma Bloom
Let the bouquet bloom in a quick, replayable mini-game inspired by the swirl-and-sniff ritual.
4. Sip: Taste and Analyze
Take a small sip and let it coat your entire mouth:
| Component | What to Notice |
|---|---|
| Sweetness | Dry to sweet |
| Acidity | Low to high (mouth-watering quality) |
| Tannins | Soft to grippy (in reds) |
| Body | Light to full |
| Alcohol | Warmth in finish |
5. Savor: Evaluate the Finish
The finish is how long flavors linger after swallowing:
- Short: A few seconds
- Medium: 10-20 seconds
- Long: 30+ seconds
Quality Indicator
Generally, a longer, more complex finish indicates a higher quality wine.
Common Tasting Descriptors
For Red Wines
- Fruits: Cherry, plum, blackberry, raspberry
- Spices: Pepper, clove, cinnamon
- Other: Leather, tobacco, earth, chocolate
For White Wines
- Fruits: Apple, pear, citrus, tropical
- Flowers: Jasmine, honeysuckle
- Other: Butter, honey, mineral, toast
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to develop your palate is through consistent practice:
- Taste regularly - even everyday wines
- Take notes - keep a wine journal
- Compare wines - try similar styles side by side
- Trust yourself - there are no wrong answers
Next Steps
- Take our Wine Quiz to test your knowledge
- Explore our Wine Database to discover new wines
- Read about Food and Wine Pairings