Wine professionals navigate the challenge of describing wines with unconventional or unfamiliar profiles by utilizing their expertise, sensory perception, and knowledge of wine regions and grape varieties. Here’s how they do it:
Utilizing Expertise and Experience
Wine professionals rely on their training and experience to accurately describe wines that may have unconventional or unfamiliar profiles. They draw on their knowledge of different grape varieties, winemaking techniques, and regional characteristics to help them make sense of unique flavors and aromas.
- They may have tasted a wide variety of wines from around the world, giving them a broad reference point for comparison.
- They often participate in blind tastings and sensory analysis exercises to hone their ability to detect subtle nuances in wines.
Engaging the Senses
When faced with a wine that has unconventional or unfamiliar profiles, wine professionals engage all their senses to fully understand and describe the wine. They pay close attention to the wine’s appearance, aroma, taste, and mouthfeel to gather as much information as possible.
- They carefully observe the wine’s color, clarity, and viscosity, which can offer clues about the wine’s age, grape variety, and winemaking techniques.
- They swirl the wine in the glass to release its aromas, taking note of any unusual or unexpected scents.
- They take a small sip and let the wine linger on their palate, noting the flavors, acidity, tannins, and finish.
Utilizing Language and Vocabulary
Wine professionals rely on a shared vocabulary and language to communicate their impressions of a wine with unconventional or unfamiliar profiles. They use descriptive terms and analogies to paint a vivid picture of the wine’s characteristics and to help others understand what makes the wine unique.
- They may use terms like “floral,” “earthy,” “spicy,” “minerally,” or “herbaceous” to describe different aromas and flavors.
- They might compare the wine to familiar fruits, spices, or other foods to help convey its unique qualities.
- They use terms like “full-bodied,” “crisp,” “smooth,” or “structured” to describe the wine’s mouthfeel and overall texture.
Researching and Seeking Information
If wine professionals encounter a wine with unconventional or unfamiliar profiles, they may conduct research or seek out additional information to help them better understand the wine. They might consult with colleagues, winemakers, or experts in the field to gain insights into the wine’s origins, production methods, and unique characteristics.
- They may research the winery or producer to learn more about their winemaking philosophy and approach.
- They might look up information about the specific grape variety or wine region to gain a better understanding of the wine’s flavor profile.
- They could reach out to the wine distributor or retailer to see if they have any additional information or background on the wine.
Remaining Open-Minded and Curious
Wine professionals approach wines with unconventional or unfamiliar profiles with an open mind and a sense of curiosity. They understand that each wine is unique and has its own story to tell, and they are eager to explore and appreciate all the different flavors and aromas that the wine world has to offer.
- They are willing to try new and different wines from lesser-known regions or made from obscure grape varieties.
- They embrace the opportunity to expand their palate and challenge their preconceived notions about what a wine should taste like.
- They view each wine tasting as a learning experience and an opportunity to discover something new and exciting about the world of wine.