Wine Tasting. Finding Your Personal Voice

Many people think wine tasting is about a sommelier or winery employee explaining the wine in your glass, talking through its aromas and terroir with an air of expertise, leaving you with a list of things you “should” be tasting. And sure, that’s one way to do it, and many “experts” still rely on this traditional approach. But let’s be real- today, anyone with a smartphone and an app like Vivino can instantly pull up a world of information on any wine. With so much at our fingertips, a wine tasting should be more than reciting facts or suggesting aromas.

For me, wine tasting is about connection- when a guest leaves not only with newfound insights but with their eyes wide open to something truly personal. My goal is for each person to discover something they won’t be able to read or hear anywhere else, something only they can feel. The world of wine is about feeling, about using this new knowledge to navigate wines for the rest of their lives. Ultimately, it’s not about the wine I love or what anyone else thinks; it’s about how each guest feels and understands what’s in their glass. Just like the feeling of driving fast, putting on skinny jeans, or experiencing a victory- it’s the visceral, personal connection that matters.

My role as a sommelier is to create that “aha!” moment, connecting your sensory experience with what’s in the glass and helping you interpret exactly what you’re feeling. Let’s dive into the structure of tasting, so you can pinpoint the kinds of wine you love and why. Here’s a breakdown of our tasting tonight, where each wine showcases a different sensation, offering a full sensory journey.

A stunning underground wine cellar set up for a private tasting, showcasing rows of wine bottles, elegant glassware, and a luxurious marble table beneath the arched, rustic brick ceiling.

Acidity & Freshness. Babich Black Label Sauvignon Blanc, 2023

What to Expect. A zingy, mouthwatering sharpness, reminiscent of biting into a green apple or a lemon.

Explanation. Acidity is the backbone of fresh, crisp wines, and in this Sauvignon Blanc, it’s the star. Imagine you’ve just squeezed lemon over your tongue—that refreshing, tingly sensation wakes up your palate and keeps every sip vibrant. It’s the acidity that gives the wine that clean, crisp profile.

Fun Fact. Acidity acts as a natural preservative, helping wines age gracefully. Sauvignon Blancs generally range from 3.0 to 3.5 on the pH scale, giving that clean, invigorating finish.

Analogy. Acidity is like the spark in a conversation—the energy that keeps everything alive. Without it, wine would feel flat, like a party without music.

Minerality & Texture. Domaine Chevalier, Ladoix, Bois de Mont

What to Expect. A subtle sense of wet stones or crushed seashells, with a slightly chalky or silky feel on the tongue.

Explanation. Minerality is one of those elusive concepts in wine, often more of a texture than a flavor. Think of licking a stone after a rainstorm (not literally, of course). This earthy, textured quality adds lightness to the wine, almost like a delicate glide across the tongue.

Scientific Insight. Although not fully understood, some experts believe minerality may stem from soil composition, with wines from limestone or granite soils often showcasing these characteristics.

Analogy. Minerality is the quiet intellectual at a party- subtle but intriguing. Once you notice it, you can’t ignore it. It adds complexity without stealing the show.

Tannins & Structure. Château Langoa Barton, 2019

What to Expect. A dry, mouth-coating sensation, similar to strong tea or an underripe banana.

Explanation. Tannins give red wines their structure and longevity. Imagine drinking strong black tea that dries out your mouth- those are tannins. They bind with proteins in your saliva, leaving a drying, puckering sensation. In this Bordeaux, the tannins are balanced, adding depth and texture.

Scientific Insight. Tannins come from grape skins, seeds, and stems. Red wines typically contain more tannins because they ferment with the skins, giving them age-worthiness and depth.

Analogy. Tannins are the firm handshake at a business meeting- structured, confident, maybe a bit imposing, but they hold everything together.

An exquisite selection of wines for a guided tasting experience, featuring Babich Black Label Sauvignon Blanc, Domaine Chevalier Ladoix Bois de Mont, Château Langoa Barton 2019, Borgo Scopeto Chianti Classico, and Roda I Reserva Rioja.

Bright Acidity & Red Fruit. Borgo Scopeto, 2021 (Chianti Classico)

What to Expect. Juicy red cherries with a hint of tang, like biting into a ripe strawberry with a squeeze of lemon.

Explanation. In this Chianti Classico, bright acidity highlights the red fruit flavors. Imagine biting into a cherry and feeling a burst of sweet juice followed by a tangy finish. Acidity balances the tannins in this Sangiovese- based wine, keeping it lively and refreshing.

Scientific Insight. Sangiovese’s acidity (typically pH 3.3–3.5) keeps it zesty even with age. This acidity also makes it a great pairing wine, cleansing the palate with each bite.

Analogy. Acidity is the friend who drags you up to dance at every party- keeping the energy up and ensuring no one gets bored.

Complexity & Oak Aging. Roda 1, Reserva, 2018 (Rioja)

What to Expect: Layers of flavors- vanilla, spice, tobacco, and leather—that build with each sip. Like sitting by a fireplace, wrapped in a cozy blanket.

Explanation. Oak aging adds complexity by imparting flavors like vanilla, caramel, and spice. In this Rioja Reserva, the oak aging creates a rounded, smooth profile, like sinking into a deep conversation. Oak also softens tannins, making the wine feel polished and rich.

Scientific Insight. This Rioja aged in oak barrels, allowing slow oxidation, which softens tannins and integrates flavors. American oak imparts stronger vanilla and coconut notes, while French oak brings subtle spice.

Analogy. Oak is like aged leather- more comfortable and interesting with time. It’s the old soul at the party with a story for every occasion.

How to Describe What You’re Feeling

Throughout the evening, practice articulating what you’re experiencing in the wines. Here are some tips:

Acidity: Does your mouth water after you swallow? That’s acidity, often described as zesty, bright, or crisp.

Minerality: Do you sense something earthy, like stones or soil? Words like chalky, flinty, or saline might come to mind.

Tannins: Is there a drying sensation in your mouth? Tannins can feel grippy, smooth, or velvety, depending on the wine’s structure.

Complexity: Does the flavor evolve with each sip? This is complexity, often brought on by oak aging or the grape’s richness.

Finding Your Wine Voice

Each wine tonight offered a unique characteristic, encouraging you to identify the elements that speak to you most. Whether it’s the zesty acidity, velvety tannins, or rich oak complexity, this tasting is about developing your personal wine vocabulary.

By the end of this tasting, you’re able to describe what you enjoy with confidence. This experience isn’t just about enjoying great wines- it’s about unlocking insights you can carry with you, enhancing your wine appreciation and helping you choose wines that genuinely reflect your preferences. So, here’s to finding your wine voice, one sip at a time!