A Step-by-Step Guide to Your Own Tinwood Wine Tasting
Wine tasting is a sensory experience that allows you to savour the flavours, aromas, and nuances of an excellent wine. We highly encourage you to come along to a Tinwood Tour and Tasting, but in case you want to know more about Wine Tasting, or how to host your own, allow us to help you appreciate the intricacies of tasting.
Step 1: Gather Your Essentials
Before you start your wine tasting journey, you’ll need some essential tools and ingredients. A bottle or two of Tinwood! If you have not yet tried our Limited Edition Blanc de Noir, this may be the ideal wine to choose because we only sell this treat by bottle, making for an exclusive personal tasting.
Glassware: For Tinwood Sparkling, we serve our wine in tulip flutes. You can purchase a Tinwood flute in store or as part of one of our gift sets—the perfect gift for someone who loves our Sussex bubbles. These flutes are designed to enhance the aromas and flavours of the wine. Or, use those gorgeous glasses in your cupboard that you strictly reserve for special occasions!
A Tasting Notebook: You could note what flavours and essences you detect in the wines you try. Why not also include a note of the vintage and information about the vineyard to create your own personal Wine List? A great idea for a piece of personal memorabilia.
Palate Cleansers: Plain water, unsalted crackers, or bread can cleanse your palate between tastings.
Good Lighting: Adequate lighting will help you assess the wine’s colour and clarity effectively.
Step 2: Observe the Wine’s Appearance
The visual aspect of wine can provide valuable information about its character and age.
Hold the Glass: Grasp the wine glass by the stem to avoid warming the wine with your hand and hold it up to the light.
Colour: Examine the wine’s colour. Is it pale, golden, or have a hint of blush?
Bubbles: The general rule of thumb is the finer the bubbles, the better quality of wine!
Step 3: Assess the Aromas
Swirling the wine in your glass and taking in its bouquet is one of the most enjoyable parts of wine tasting and this is because about 80% of your sense of taste comes from your sense of smell.
Swirl: Gently swirl the wine in your glass to release its aromas.
Smell: Bring the glass to your nose and inhale deeply. Identify the various scents, such as fruits, flowers, spices, or earthy notes.
Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Aromas: Primary aromas come from the grapes, secondary from the winemaking process, and tertiary from ageing. Note these distinctions.
Step 4: Taste the Wine
Now comes the moment you’ve been waiting for – savouring the wine on your palate!
Sip: Take a small sip of the wine and let it coat your tongue.
Taste: Pay attention to the initial flavours, the wine’s body, and its overall balance. Is it sweet, dry, acidic, or tannic? Swirl the wine around your mouth to see how the taste changes.
Finish: Assess the wine’s finish, which is how the flavours linger in your mouth after swallowing.
As you taste multiple wines, compare and contrast them. Notice the differences in aroma, taste, and finish. Which one do you prefer, and why?
Step 5: Explore Food Pairings
Wine and food are a harmonious duo. Experiment with different food pairings to see how they can enhance the wine’s flavours. Our Blanc de Blancs goes perfectly with fresh seafood or light canapes; our Brut pairs wonderfully with a hearty roast dinner, meanwhile, our Rose is delightful with a cheeseboard, sweet fruits or dessert. Pop into our Vineyard Kitchen for pairings carefully crafted by our Estate chefs.