Wine Quality Assessment and Tasting
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Wine and Sustainability course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Wine Quality Assessment and Tasting #
Wine Quality Assessment and Tasting
Wine Quality Assessment and Tasting is a crucial aspect of the wine industry, al… #
This process involves a systematic approach to analyzing the appearance, aroma, taste, and overall quality of a wine.
Acidity #
Acidity
Acidity in wine refers to the presence of natural acids, such as tartaric, malic… #
Acidity is essential for balancing the sweetness and alcohol levels in a wine.
Aeration #
Aeration
Aeration is the process of exposing wine to oxygen to help it open up and develo… #
This can be done by decanting the wine or swirling it in the glass.
Aroma #
Aroma
Aroma refers to the scent or smell of a wine, which is derived from the grape va… #
Aroma is a crucial component of wine tasting and can include fruity, floral, spicy, or earthy notes.
Balance #
Balance
Balance in wine refers to the harmonious relationship between acidity, sweetness… #
A well-balanced wine is one where no single element overpowers the others, resulting in a pleasant and cohesive experience.
Body #
Body
Body in wine refers to the weight or fullness of the wine in the mouth #
Wines can be light-bodied, medium-bodied, or full-bodied, depending on factors such as alcohol content, tannins, and sugar levels.
Bouquet #
Bouquet
Bouquet refers to the complex set of aromas that develop in a wine as it ages #
Unlike aroma, which comes from the grapes and winemaking process, bouquet is the result of bottle aging and can include tertiary aromas like nutty, toasty, or leathery notes.
Finish #
Finish
Finish in wine refers to the lingering aftertaste that remains in the mouth afte… #
A long finish indicates a wine of high quality, while a short finish may suggest a lack of complexity or depth.
Flavor #
Flavor
Flavor in wine refers to the combination of taste and aroma experienced when dri… #
Common flavor descriptors include fruity, floral, spicy, earthy, and mineral notes.
Legs #
Legs
Legs, also known as tears, are the streaks of wine that form on the inside of a… #
The appearance of legs can indicate the viscosity and alcohol content of the wine.
Oxidation #
Oxidation
Oxidation in wine occurs when the wine is exposed to air, leading to the breakdo… #
Oxidized wines may have a brownish color and a nutty or sherry-like aroma.
Tannins #
Tannins
Tannins are naturally occurring compounds found in grape skins, seeds, and stems… #
Tannins can create a drying sensation in the mouth and help wines age gracefully.
Terroir #
Terroir
Terroir refers to the unique combination of soil, climate, topography, and winem… #
Terroir plays a significant role in shaping the flavor profile and style of a wine.
Vintage #
Vintage
Vintage in wine refers to the year in which the grapes were harvested to make th… #
The vintage can have a significant impact on the quality and characteristics of a wine, as weather conditions during the growing season can vary from year to year.
Wine Faults #
Wine Faults
Wine faults are undesirable characteristics that can develop in wine due to poor… #
Common wine faults include cork taint, oxidation, volatile acidity, and brettanomyces contamination.
Blind Tasting #
Blind Tasting
Blind tasting is a method of wine evaluation where the taster samples wines with… #
This approach helps eliminate bias and allows tasters to focus solely on the sensory characteristics of the wine.
Decanting #
Decanting
Decanting is the process of pouring wine from its bottle into a decanter to sepa… #
Decanting can help soften tannins, improve aromas, and enhance the overall drinking experience.
Old World vs #
New World
Old World wines refer to wines produced in traditional wine regions of Europe, s… #
New World wines, on the other hand, come from regions outside Europe, like the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, known for their fruit-forward styles and innovative winemaking techniques.
Sommelier #
Sommelier
A sommelier is a trained wine professional responsible for curating wine lists,… #
Sommeliers often hold certifications from recognized wine organizations.
Wine Aroma Wheel #
Wine Aroma Wheel
The Wine Aroma Wheel is a tool developed by Dr #
Ann C. Noble to help wine tasters identify and describe the various aromas found in wine. The wheel categorizes aromas into general groups like fruity, floral, spicy, and chemical, with specific descriptors for each category.
Wine Fault Identification #
Wine Fault Identification
Wine Fault Identification is the process of recognizing and diagnosing common fa… #
Training in wine fault identification is essential for professionals in the wine industry to ensure the quality of the products they handle.
Wine Glassware #
Wine Glassware
Wine Glassware refers to the specific types of glassware designed for serving an… #
Different styles of wine glasses are tailored to enhance the aromas, flavors, and overall experience of different types of wine, such as red, white, and sparkling wines.
Wine Tasting Notes #
Wine Tasting Notes
Wine Tasting Notes are written descriptions of a wine's appearance, aroma, flavo… #
Tasting notes help tasters recall their impressions of a wine and communicate its characteristics to others.
Wine Varietals #
Wine Varietals
Wine Varietals are wines made primarily from a single grape variety, such as Cab… #
Each varietal has its unique flavor profile, aroma, and aging potential, influenced by the grape's characteristics and the winemaking process.
WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) #
WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust)
The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) is a globally recognized organization t… #
WSET courses cover a wide range of topics, from grape growing and winemaking to tasting techniques and food pairings.