Sunset Soca Wine Fest: Wine Education
The "5 S's" of wine tasting are a systematic approach to evaluating and appreciating wine. They stand for:
See
Observe the wine's appearance, including its color, clarity, and intensity. Hold the glass up
to the light to assess the hue and any variations in color from the center to the rim.
Swirl
Gently swirl the wine in the glass to release its aromas. This helps the wine "breathe" and allows its bouquet to become more pronounced.
Smell
Put your nose into the glass and inhale the wine's aromas. Take note of the various scents and try to identify different fruit, floral, herbal, and other notes.
Sip
Take a small sip of the wine and let it coat your palate. Consider the wine's taste, texture, acidity, sweetness, and overall balance. Swish the wine around in your mouth to fully experience its flavors.
Savor
After swallowing (or spitting, if you're tasting multiple wines), reflect on the wine's finish.
Note how long the flavors linger and whether there are any lingering aftertastes. Assess the overall impression and your enjoyment of the wine.