Frequently Asked Questions
How do you hold a wine glass?
Wine glasses should be held by the stem because the heat of human hands can warm the temperature of the wine, which affects the taste.
Why do you swirl the wine before tasting it?
Swirling the wine helps release aromas. Smelling wine is an important part of wine-tasting. Taste and smell play off each other and are both part of enjoying wine.
What are the differences between red wine and white wine?
White wine is usually fermented and aged in stainless steel (with the exception of chardonnay). Red wine, on the other hand, ferments and ages in oak barrels. White wine is usually served cold while red wine is served room temperature.
What are the differences between dry wines and sweet wines?
A dry wine simply lacks residual sugar, while a sweet wine has it. Degrees of dryness are usually related to the perception of acidity level.
What terms are appropriate for describing the way wine tastes?
Nothing you taste is wrong. Describing wines is all a matter of opinion and perception, but people usually talk about the flavors in wines with these descriptors:
- Fruity
- Herbaceous
- Nutty
- Buttery
- Woody
- Earthy
- Chemical
- Floral
- Spicy