More and more groups are congregating for fun, informative wine tastings. Setting up a tasting group can be an enjoyable and relaxing way to storm through the vast bottles of wines available.
For all of us, novice or expert, practice makes better but never perfect.
The important takeaway from any tasting is to consider the simple question we all seek as wine drinkers: Do I like this wine?
If you’re interested in hosting a tasting, here are some tips.
A THEME AND INVITATION
With so many wine choices it’s best to pick a single theme for your group. Choose a grape variety, region, price point or any similar theme for the wines you taste. List the theme on the invitations, delivered either formally by mail or casually by text or email. Start time is crucial. It is very difficult to back track once you start. I like to build in a delayed start by beginning the tasting with an easy appetizer, leaving a 30-minute window for my friends running a little behind schedule.
THE SETUP
For the ideal tasting experience consider the lighting in the tasting space. Dim lights rarely allow the group to discuss the color and variations, so plan for a well-lighted room. The wine order of the evening can be very straightforward by following the traditional wine-tasting rules of starting with dry wines and ending with sweet, and staying with groupings when comparing.
Use clear glassware that will allow guests to swirl without spilling and see the color of the wine. Spittoons or dump buckets are key to avoid over-consumption. Crackers or simple foods are a wonderful way to cleanse the palate, but be sure they are neutral and not competing with the wines.
KEEP IT NEUTRAL
Avoid wearing perfumes, lotions or colognes or smoking before the tasting. Even light scents can interfere with the overall experience. You don’t want that smoky aroma or hint of Chanel No. 5 to be coming from the guests seated next to you rather than the wine. Remember that, when tasting in groups, when a descriptor for the aroma or taste is said out loud the group has a tendency to nod and agree. Give everyone a fair chance for the discussion of the wines.
STAYING ON TASK
To keep the tasting organized, provide guests with a tasting sheet (a numbered sheet with columns for each wine that include spaces for notes on appearance, aroma, body, taste, finish and color), as well as plenty of pens or pencils. A printed sheet gives each person a place to record thoughts and follow the tasting approach of colors, aromas and tastes.
Good luck and happy tasting!
Lorri Hambuchen is a member of London’s Institute of Wines and Spirits. Contact her at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock,Ark. 72203, or email:
Food, Pages 32 on 02/19/2014