The world of wine is no longer reserved for connoisseurs only. Today, anyone can venture into the world of wine and discover its fascinating subtleties. To help you take your first steps, here are La Sommelière's tips.
1. PLEASURE: Learn to identify what you like
The first rule when it comes to wine is to enjoy yourself. Start by identifying the wines and appellations that you like. During dinners, evenings, or tastings, take the time to note or take photos of the bottles that stood out to you. This habit will allow you to easily find these wines at your wine merchant or in the supermarket aisles.
By accumulating these references, you will begin to identify the wine styles and wine regions you prefer: warm wines from the south, complex wines with evolving flavors, dry and mineral wines, or even sweet and luscious wines. It's important to listen to yourself and trust your own tastes. Wine is above all a matter of pleasure and discovery.
2. CURIOSITY: Dare to explore new horizons
Once you have an idea of what you like, it's time to let your curiosity take over. The world of wine is vast and rich, and to fully enjoy it, you need to venture beyond your usual choices. Don't hesitate to ask questions to your wine merchant, read books or articles about wine, and participate in tastings.
Your curiosity can also lead you to compare wines made from the same grape variety but from different regions. For example, if you enjoy red wines from Burgundy, broaden your horizons by exploring other wines made from the same grape, Pinot Noir, in France (like in Alsace) but also in other countries (New Zealand, California, Germany, etc.). Comparing is an excellent way to understand and appreciate the nuances brought by the terroir, climate, and winemaking methods.
3. MEMORY: Develop your ability to remember aromas and flavors
Wine tasting involves all your senses, but especially your olfactory memory. Remembering the names of grape varieties, appellations, and wine regions is part of the learning process, but being able to recall aromas and flavors is just as crucial.
Regularly practice memorizing the smells you encounter in your daily life: the scent of fruits at the market, the fragrance of flowers in the garden, the aromas that escape from the kitchen. This practice will help you identify and name the scents you perceive during a tasting. Aroma memory is like a muscle: the more you train it, the stronger it becomes.
You can also keep a small tasting notebook. Note down the wines you taste, the aromas and flavors you experience, and your overall impressions. This notebook will become a valuable resource for tracking your progress and refining your palate over time.
4. PRACTICE: Taste, compare, and share
The best way to learn to appreciate wine is to practice. And what better way to do it than during a gathering with friends? Turn these moments into an educational and fun tasting experience. For example, buy three bottles of wine made from three different grape varieties (like a Sauvignon Blanc, a Chardonnay, and a Viognier) and serve them to your guests. Compare the wines, share your impressions, and discuss the differences you notice.
The goal is not to find the "best" wine, but to observe the nuances and characteristics of each grape variety, terroir, and winemaking method. It is by confronting your sensations and listening to those of others that you will learn to refine your own perception.
You can also participate in tasting workshops, oenology courses, or vineyard visits to deepen your knowledge and enrich your experience.
5. Taste and gain confidence in yourself
Getting started with wine is a personal and unique journey. It's not about knowing all the great wines or mastering the wine vocabulary overnight. The important thing is to enjoy yourself and gain confidence in your tastes. The more you taste, the more you will learn to recognize flavors and describe what you like.
The world of wine is an infinite adventure of learning and enjoyment. So, take your first steps with curiosity, memory, and an open mind. And above all, remember: wine is meant to be shared and enjoyed, without judgment or pretense.
So, ready to embark on the wine adventure?