Welcome to the delightful world of tasting wine, where every sip is a new adventure! Here’s what to look out for when you’re diving into the palate:

Sweetness:

Think of sweetness as the dance of sugars in your wine! A ‘dry’ wine is like a serious dancer with no sugar moves, while ‘off-dry’ and ‘medium-sweet’ wines bring a little sweetness to the party. If it’s ‘sweet,’ get ready for a sugar rush that can make your taste buds do the cha-cha!

Acidity:

This is the refreshing zing that keeps your palate lively! High acidity can make you feel like you just bit into a juicy lemon, while low acidity gives a soft, rounded feel. It’s all about balance—how sweet and sour play together!

Tannin:

The texture guru! Tannins are like the bouncers at the wine party, giving that dry, astringent feel. They come from grape skins and can make your mouth feel like it just had a workout. Ripe tannins are smooth and velvety, while unripe tannins can be a bit harsh!

Alcohol:

The weight of the wine! Higher alcohol can make your wine feel richer and heavier, while lower alcohol can feel light and breezy. Just watch out—too much alcohol might give you a fiery kick!

Body:

This is the overall impression of the wine’s richness. Is it light and delicate or full-bodied and bold? Body is influenced by alcohol, sugar, and tannins, creating a mouthfeel that can be creamy or refreshing.

Mousse:

Only for sparkling wines! Mousse refers to the bubbles—are they creamy and gentle, or aggressive and wild? A good mousse tickles your palate just right!

Flavour Intensity:

What flavors pop out at you? The intensity can be pronounced or light, and it’s where the fun really begins—earthy notes, fruity bursts, or spicy surprises!

Finish:

The grand finale! After you sip, what lingers on your palate? A long, pleasant finish leaves you wanting more, while a short finish might leave you a bit underwhelmed.