The 7 S's of wine tasting are a set of steps or guidelines that can help you fully appreciate and evaluate a glass of wine. These steps are swirl, sniff, sip, swish, savor, spit, and summarize. Let's dive into each step in more detail:
1. Swirl: Before you take a sip, gently swirl the wine in your glass. This action helps to release the aromas and oxygenate the wine, allowing you to better perceive its flavors and characteristics. Swirling also coats the inside of the glass, providing a visual clue about the wine's viscosity and alcohol content.
2. Sniff: After swirling, bring the glass to your nose and take a deep sniff. This step is crucial in assessing the wine's aromas, which can provide insight into its varietal, age, and winemaking techniques. Try to identify different scents, such as fruits, flowers, spices, or oak. Be open-minded and trust your senses, as everyone's olfactory perception can vary.
3. Sip: Take a small sip of the wine and let it coat your mouth. Pay attention to the initial taste and any immediate sensations, such as sweetness, acidity, or tannins. Take note of the wine's body and texture, which can be light, medium, or full-bodied. Allow the wine to linger in your mouth for a few seconds to fully appreciate its flavors.
4. Swish: This step is often referred to as “chewing” the wine. Swish the wine around your mouth, allowing it to come into contact with all your taste buds. This action helps to further release the wine's flavors and allows you to assess its balance, complexity, and structure. Note any additional flavors or nuances you detect during this process.
5. Savor: After swishing, take a moment to savor the wine's finish. The finish refers to the lingering taste and sensations in your mouth after swallowing or spitting the wine. Is it short or long? Is it pleasant or unpleasant? Pay attention to any changes or aftertastes that may occur. This step can reveal the wine's overall quality and potential aging ability.
6. Spit: This step is optional but highly recommended, especially if you're tasting multiple wines or need to maintain sobriety. Spitting allows you to fully experience the wine's flavors without consuming excessive amounts of alcohol. Use a designated spittoon or spit bucket provided at tastings. However, if you're in a social setting and enjoying a full glass of wine, it's perfectly fine to skip this step.
7. Summarize: After evaluating the wine using the previous steps, take a moment to summarize your overall impression. Consider the wine's appearance, aromas, flavors, balance, and finish. Reflect on whether you enjoyed the wine, whether it met your expectations, and any specific characteristics that stood out to you. This step can help you remember and compare wines later.
Remember, wine tasting is subjective, and everyone's preferences and experiences may differ. The 7 S's provide a framework to guide your tasting journey, but ultimately, trust your own palate and enjoy the process of discovering new wines.