Cleveland Wineries: 3 Things To Consider When Tasting Wine

Each wine has a rich story behind it — one that is told through scent, taste and sight. That’s why knowing how to identify what you’re sipping on can greatly expand your experiences, whether it’s at a formal tasting or having a glass of wine at dinner. Matt Meineke, founder and head winemaker at M Cellars Winery in Geneva, gives us three tips for identifying certain wines and varietals, from the first glance to the initial sip.

How it looks
A wine’s thickness and color are the two defining factors when looking at a wine. “Give the glass a swirl or two and see if it adheres to the glass,” says Meineke. Teardrops, or legs, may drag down the side slowly or they may quickly sheet off. “If the wine teardrops down slowly, that’s an indicator of a heavier body or thickness,” he says. Before even taking a sip, an older red can be identified by its paler or lighter shade, while a white shows its age by getting darker and more saturated over time.

How it smells
To get the best aroma of a wine, spend about 10 seconds swirling the glass. This allows the alcohol to vaporize and will lift the wine’s scent towards your nose. “Each variety has its own unique aromas,” Meineke says. “For example, riesling has green apple and citrus components framed in a nice mineral finish. Gewurztraminer has a tropical component with distinct lychee fruit.” He also notes that the only surefire way to understand a wine based on its aroma, is to explore all the different varietals.

How it tastes
When you take your first few sips, Meineke encourages you to look for the fruity components first, which usually indicate a sweeter wine. Taste something bitter? This can be a sign of acidity and crispness in the wine, usually indicative of citrus or apple. Finally, check if there’s a drying sensation on your tongue. “If you perceive a wine as dry or it has a drying effect in your mouth, you’re experiencing tannins — they have a grippy feel, similar to unsweetened tea,” says Meineke.