Acquire the Taste for Wine

Some of us are enamored with the idea of going on wine tours or drinking a glass of wine on special occasions, but when we actually take a sip, we can't help but be turned off by the strong, dry taste or the tannins present in many wines. Fortunately, acquiring a taste for wine is easier than you think. It's mostly a matter of sampling a variety of wines and discovering what you like, and letting your taste buds become accustomed to the flavors that characterize wine. After all, there are so many different varieties, there's something out there for everyone!

Steps

 * 1)  Taste a variety of wines. You may think you dislike wine because the ones you've tried just aren't compatible with your preferences. By exposing yourself to a wide variety of wines, you increase the likelihood that you'll find a wine (or two, or three) that you thoroughly enjoy.
 * 2) * Different varietals have both subtle and obvious differences in taste and character. The variations of flavour, sweetness, nose, and other characteristics are the focus of varietal wines, and are by far the most common class of wines available in most markets.
 * 3) * Different blends of wine combine the characteristics of varietal grapes to create balanced and complex flavours - often requiring years in the bottle to achieve a mature flavour.
 * 4) * There is much more to wines than simply red or white; blushes, ice wines, sparkling wines, madeiras, ports, sherries, and then you get to the distillations of wines such as armagnac or brandy. Each of these - including red and white - are different methods of processing the fruit, the juice, or the wine.
 * 5) * Aged and new wines. Vintners design wines which are supposed to be drunk immediately, and wines which will be better after some time in the bottle. Try both young and old wines, and if possible purchase a batch of the same wine and drink one of every year to experience the subtle changes a wine goes through as it changes over time.
 * 6) * Some types of wine are typically more accessible to those who are just learning about wine.
 * 7) **Less dry white wines such as Viognier or Riesling may be easier for a novice to appreciate than a very dry Sauvignon Blanc or an oaky Chardonnay.
 * 8) **Similarly for red wines, California Zinfandels, which are typically less dry and has more pronounced fruit flavors, may be more accessible than dryer wines such as Cabernet or Pinot Noir.
 * 9) **In general, new world wines from California and South America have more pronounced fruit flavors and are less dry than wines from France or Italy, and may be an easier (and often less expensive) way to introduce yourself to the world of wine.
 * 10)  Take some time when tasting the wine. Don't go overboard, but if you want to really get all that's possible from a wine you should give it a thorough tasting.
 * 11) *Swirl your wine vigorously in the glass, and observe how it looks and acts versus other wines. Examine the colour, especially against a light.
 * 12) * Use a glass which can trap the smell, and sniff deeply after swirling (you will see wine aficionados literally putting their noses into the glass when doing this). Try to come up with comparisons to other things you've smelled, like cut fruit, minced herbs, or even hot tea!
 * 13) * Swirl the wine in your mouth, noticing how it feels. Make sure it flows over the tip, both sides, under the tongue, and into the back of your mouth. After noticing the tastes, either swallow or spit out the wine, then breathe in through your mouth drawing air over all those parts of your tongue again - this will cause the tastes from the wine to change, sometimes quite suddenly and sharply. Again, try to draw comparisons to other things you've tasted. Notice especially the changes the taste goes through as it fades on the tongue, and how long that 'finish' lasts.
 * 14) Discover your palate. There is no wine that's one-size-fits-all. Everyone has their own unique preferences, and by making note of yours, you can significantly improve your selection and experience of wine. As you taste wine, write down your impressions, and look for patterns in your preferences. Wines have four basic components: taste, tannins, alcohol and acidity. Tastes can range from fruit, leather, spices, nutty, vanilla, or some combination of the above - what are your favorites? Do you prefer strong or subtle tannins, alcohol, and acidity?
 * 15)  Experiment with the wine.
 * 16) * Try removing white wine from the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving, and chilling red wine for 20-30 minutes before serving. When white wine is served too cold, fruit and floral notes in the wine are diminished, and the perception of acidity is increased. Lightly chilling red wine will help to reduce the alcohol taste, which can overwhelm other flavors when the wine is warm.
 * 17) * Taste wines with different foods. Crisp dry white wines are often delicious with fruits and mild cheeses like Brie, while bold, full-bodied red wines tend to go better with robust flavors like roasts, aged cheeses, or very dark chocolate.
 * 18) * Many wines benefit from decanting (pouring into a special bottle with a wide surface area), which exposes the wine to more air and can act to mellow tannins and balance flavors. Dry, full-bodied red wines are often improved by decanting, especially when young.
 * 19) * Wine snobs turn up their noses at the idea of mixing wine with other things, but wine on ice, mixed with fruit juices, mixed with liquors or liqueurs, or other stranger things often results in great tasting beverages.
 * 20) * Add ice, especially with heavier, sweeter, or very rich wines. The coldness of the ice slightly numbs your taste buds, easing the strength (and the astringent qualities) of some wines, especially reds.
 * 21)  Drink wines in a variety of settings. Your surroundings, your comfort level, and even the time of day can influence your receptivity to wine. In much the same way that many people enjoy a cold beer when on a couch and in front of a TV, you may find that you're better able to enjoy wine in the privacy of your home at the end of the day, or in the context of a romantic dinner with many other delectable foods present, or in a social setting when spirits are jovial, music is playing and you're feeling more adventurous.
 * 22) *Try wines paired with different types of food, especially with various fruits, cheeses, and meats.
 * 23) * Try wines in every setting where you might safely enjoy a mildly-alcoholic beverage: at a sporting event, on a picnic, as an afternoon break, trendy bars, as an evening toddy. (Different wines, you'll find, suit different settings - sparkly sweets for a celebration perhaps, or a deep dark red to sip while reading a book at night... let your taste buds suggest something!)
 * 24) * Some wines seem to work with different seasons. Chilled fruity whites are popular for warm summer days, while warmed mulled wines are traditional during the long nights of winter. Look to your own community/family history for wine traditions you might not know of.
 * 25) Do a variety of things related to wine. One of the most appealing things about wine is that it's not just a beverage. There is considerable history and depth from grape to glass. By learning more about wine, it'll further your appreciation and foster a more receptive mindset when trying different wines.
 * 26) * Study up on grapes, viticulture, wine history, wine regions, etc. Read wine-related periodicals.
 * 27) * Take tours of vineyards, visit wine shops, and go to wine tastings.
 * 28) * Find wine bars and restaurants with fine wine cellars to try unusual or rare wines, and wines paired with foods.
 * 29) * Hang out with others interested in wine, join wine clubs, sign up for wine newsletters.
 * 30) *Learn some of the lingo. As you go, pay attention to the words used to describe different wines and different flavours in wines.  At the very least, learn to pronounce the names of the various types of wines.

Tips

 * Note the trend toward variety - of experiences, types, age, situation. The variety of opportunities is the best way to acquire a taste for wine, as well as good taste in wine! Good taste in wine is merely the ability to rather consistently select wines you will enjoy.
 * Listen to other people's choices, and compare your tastes with theirs. If your Aunt Jane extols the virtues of a perfect Chianti, but she loves wines so dry the corks shrivel while you're more of a muscat drinker, then you may have just found a wine you never ever want to purchase. But if friends who have loved the same things you have are buying cases of something you've never tried, chances are good that it's something you might want to try too.
 * Above all, let your taste buds guide! If the glass tastes like squeezings from wet gym socks to you, don't drink it! Life is too short to drink wine you don't like, even if the editor of Wine Snobbery Monthly raved about it last month. An inexpensive Chablis or rosé may be exactly what you love, even if Wine Snobbery Monthly panned the vintner, vineyard, and called it 'Kool-Aid', so drink that!
 * Keep in mind that not all great wines keep. Some simply cannot be stored in the cellar, so drink all things in their prime.
 * Wine is especially susceptible to oxidation. An opened bottle of wine will spoil quickly by reacting to the air, and is best consumed within 24 hours.
 * A quick way to tell when a white wine is no longer fit for consumption is by color. White wine should have a light, golden hue. When the color is darker and closer to orange or light brown, it is no longer fit for drinking.
 * Wine is commonly consumed after or along with food and/or other beverages. Prior food and drink consumption (including other wines) can affect a wine's taste.  In general, avoid sweet food and drinks before drinking the drier types of wines. (Note: The effects of sweet consumables may linger for over 30 minutes.)  There are exceptions to this advice.  For instance, you may likely find some dark chocolates complement relatively dry red wines. But, make no mistake, most people will not enjoy drinking a good dry red wine when served with a sweet dessert.
 * Go wine tasting at wineries. This is a great way to learn about wines and sample a wide variety of wines.

Warnings

 * Do not drink and drive or operate mechanical equipment.
 * Drink in moderation, and pregnant or nursing women should drink only if their health care provider deems it to be safe. Alcohol consumption, especially in combination with any medication, can pose serious health risks.
 * Some people have a food allergy to wine. If you find yourself having a physical reaction to wine, do not try to acquire a taste for it without first consulting your physician.
 * Some people are affected by the acidity of the wine causing sensitivity in teeth.

Things You'll Need

 * Wine
 * Glass
 * Decanter (optional)

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Become a Wine Connoisseur
 * How to Host a Wine Tasting Party
 * How to Taste Wine
 * How to Store Wine
 * How to Brew Cheap Wine