The wine tasting game is a fun and interactive way to explore and compare different wines. It allows you to develop your palate, broaden your knowledge of wines, and discover your personal preferences. To play the game, I recommend following these steps:
1. Gather a selection of wines: Start by selecting four Old World wines and four New World wines of the same grape variety or style. For example, you could choose Shiraz from the Old World (such as Rhône Valley, France) and the New World (such as Barossa Valley, Australia).
2. Set up the tasting: Prepare the wines by uncorking them and allowing them to breathe for a while. It's also helpful to have wine glasses for each participant, water for rinsing glasses, and some neutral crackers or bread to cleanse the palate between tastings.
3. Observe the appearance: Begin by visually examining each wine. Look at the color, clarity, and intensity. Note any differences between the Old World and New World wines. Old World wines tend to have a more restrained color and often exhibit more brick or garnet hues, while New World wines may have a deeper, more vibrant color.
4. Smell the aromas: Swirl the wine in the glass to release its aromas, and then take a deep sniff. Pay attention to the various aromas present in each wine. Old World wines often display more earthy, herbal, or mineral notes, while New World wines may showcase ripe fruit, oak, or floral aromas.
5. Taste and evaluate: Take a small sip of each wine and let it coat your entire palate. Pay attention to the flavors, acidity, tannins (if present), and overall balance. Old World wines tend to have higher acidity and more pronounced tannins, whereas New World wines often exhibit riper fruit flavors and softer tannins.
6. Compare and contrast: After evaluating each wine individually, compare and contrast the Old World and New World versions side by side. Discuss the similarities and differences in terms of aroma, flavor profile, structure, and overall style. This is where the game becomes interesting, as you can debate which style you prefer and why.
7. Declare a winner: based on personal preferences and the overall consensus of the participants, declare a winner for each side (Old World vs. New World). It's important to remember that there is no right or wrong answer – it's all about individual taste preferences.
Here is an example of how the wine tasting game could play out with Shiraz:
Old World Wines:
1. Rhône Valley, France
2. Northern Rhône, France
3. Barossa Valley, Australia
4. Margaret River, Australia
New World Wines:
1. Napa Valley, California, USA
2. Stellenbosch, South Africa
3. Mendoza, Argentina
4. Marlborough, New Zealand
By comparing these eight different Shiraz wines, you can explore the unique characteristics and styles that each region brings to the table. Through discussion and analysis, you can determine your personal preferences and gain a deeper understanding of the world of wine.
Remember, the wine tasting game is meant to be enjoyable and educational. Don't be afraid to express your thoughts and opinions, and be open to trying new wines and discovering unexpected favorites. Cheers!