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1. Introduce the Theme (Type) of the Tasting
2. Present Sample #1: After introducing and pouring your first wine, walk the group through the tasting process (detailed below). Guests should be encouraged to take notes on their tasting cards in order to spark conversation and aid in their eventual ranking of the wines.
3. View the Color & Intensity: Hold the glass at a 45-degree angle over a white tablecloth and examine the wine's color and intensity. What color best describes it? Is the color saturated throughout or does the wine look watery around the edges? Does it appear viscous or diluted? Is it appropriate to the wine's age? (Older red wines tend to develop brown hues, white wines become more golden with age.)
4. Smell the Aroma: Holding the glass by the stem, swirl it vigorously to release the wine's aromas, then bring the wine to your nose and inhale. What do you smell? Close your eyes to help focus your attention. Consider the scents of fruits, herbs, vegetables and other flavors. While many wines have predominantly fruity or floral aromas, there are earthy, herbaceous, spicy, woody or animal-like aromas that can also be present. Don't feel bound by wine terms, but think of scents or associations that mean something to you.
5. Sip for Flavor & Texture: Take a sip of wine and swirl it around your mouth without swallowing. Try taking in some air to help release the flavors. What flavors do you taste? Consider the wine's acidity and sweetness. Is it tart, soft, dry, sweet, bitter or astringent? Body and texture should also be addressed. Does the wine seem thin and light, or rich and heavy? What flavors come to mind as you taste?
6. Swallow for Finish & Complexity: When you swallow the wine, think about its finish and aftertaste. Does the flavor linger on your palate (considered a "long finish") or disappear quickly? Is the flavor one-dimensional or more complex? Is there a "hot" sensation from the alcohol? What impression does the wine leave? Is it balanced or does some component stand out?
7. Evaluate: Do you like this wine? Deciphering exactly what you like or dislike will help you identify wines you'll enjoy in the future.
8. Present Samples #2 through #6: Be sure everyone cleanses their palate with bread and water between each sample. For subsequent wines, you may want to lead the group through the formal tasting process, but feel free to let everyone taste on their own.
9. Final Discussion: Once all the wines have been sampled, lead the group in a discussion about all the wines. Everyone should vote for their favorite and rank the wines in terms of preference. Hearing what others liked and disliked (and why) can be the most enlightening part of a tasting.
