The formal tasting of any food product, and especially a wine, is an analytical process carried out through the use of the senses of sight, smell, taste and touch for the determination of the subject's visual, olfactory and gustatory characteristics or properties as part of an evaluation of its quality.

       The simple act of drinking a wine is completely different from a formal tasting, which is a function structured according to a precise methodology aimed at producing a disciplined assessment of perceived sensations. Even then, a wine requires concentrated attention if it is to be fully appreciated and the capacity to analyze it adds to the pleasure of drinking it.

       Wine experts tend to define characteristics of color, aroma and taste, and to codify such terminology in what might be described as the "universal language of wine".

       Yet wine appreciation remains a subjective field.

       The chemical components of wine can be analyzed in minute detail, but judgments of quality and character still rely on sensory evaluation. Each person perceives wine in his own way. As you acquire experience, you will no doubt be influenced by expert opinions, but is wise to remember that you are your own best judge of wine.

       But to be a good judge you need to acquire at least the basic knowledge: this is the only way to know how to get there!

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