Zone Wine Tasting

Zone Wine Tasting Zone Wine Tasting® simplifies the formal wine tasting ritual by placing the most essential factors into 12 easy-to-follow zones. NOSE
1. FLAVOR
4.

BACKGROUND
Start by reviewing the front (and sometimes the back) label to note the varietal name and where the grapes were grown. Wine pros anticipate characteristics based on wine type, region, style and how it was processed. Aroma: fresh-fruit or fruit-related fragrances
2. Bouquet: primary post-fermentation fragrances such as the influence of oak barrels, leather, earth, fresh-baked bread
3. Nu

ance: secondary post-fermentation fragrances (dried brush, flowers, minerals, herbs, spices, cedar, tea)

Note: fragrances and flavors often correspond to general classifications that may be eligible for more specific interpretation. For example, citrus components may be perceived by some tasters as grapefruit, tangerine or lemon zest. Front: forward taste components with degree of extraction
5. Middle: mid-palate taste components
6. Finish: aftertaste components with duration

STRUCTURE
7. Tannin: impressions of tannic compounds on the palate (supple, mature, rounded, firm, dusty, etc)
8. Acidity: awareness of acids on the palate (bright, crisp, racy, soft, flabby, etc)

TACTILE SENSATIONS
9. Texture: granular perceptions on the tongue and cheeks (grainy, chalky, smooth, silky, etc)
10. Body: feeling of weight or viscosity on the palate (light, medium, full bodied)
11. Mouthfeel: general palate sensations beyond texture (rich, lean, austere, creamy, unctuous, etc)

BALANCE
12. Harmony of all components: flavor, structure, tactile, alc, etc

OTHER ZONES (for enophiles and professionals):
• Clarity and color: observations about clearness, hue or depth
• Complexity: state of having multiple aromas and/or flavors
• Finished alcohol: noteworthy if too high (i.e. “hot”)
• Residual sugar: sweet, semi-sweet, off-dry, dry
• Perceptions in youth vs. age: how components will evolve
• Aging Potential: "Lay down for xx years" or "Drink by 20xx"
• Food Pairing: suggestions with meat, fish or veggie dishes

05/13/2024

Social media supports a tribal perspective … in those siloed communities, narratives matter more than facts.
– Wine & Spirits mag

10/05/2019

The Mediterranean Orzo Salad that I made last week: orig recipe using Feta, sun-dried tomato, shallots/carrots/bell pepper, and the star of the show, cured olives instead of Kalamata. … sauvignon blanc on the side.

When the going gets rough … the rough treat themselves to comfort food.
04/12/2016

When the going gets rough … the rough treat themselves to comfort food.

07/09/2014

Californians can start sipping wine at farmers markets.

06/21/2012

For anyone attending the Sonoma-Marin Fair this weekend, I'll be presenting "Debunking Wine Speak: Tasting Tips for Beginners and Beyond" in the Wine Garden on Friday and Saturday night from 7–8p. Education, humor, myth busting, and two very good wines by Davis Family Vineyards.

01/30/2012

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