Are you just getting started in the world of wine? Discover the 6 basic tasting terms you need to master to taste like a pro. Learn to identify appearance, aromas, tannins, and more.

Learn to taste wine like an expert from scratch.

Are you interested in wine tasting but don’t know where to start? Knowing the key terms will help you understand what you’re tasting and enjoy each glass more deeply. Here, we explain clearly and simply the 6 basic wine tasting terms that every beginner should know.

1. Sight: the first thing to evaluate.

Tasting begins with the eyes. The visual phase allows you to analyze the clarity, color, and density of the wine.

Young wines display bright and vivid colors.

More evolved wines show duller or amber tones.

You can also observe the “tears” or “legs” of the wine, which indicate its density and, in many cases, the alcohol or glycerin level.

2. Nose: explore the aromas of the wine.

At this stage, the aromas of the wine are identified, revealing much about its origin, variety, and production process. They are divided into three categories:

• • Primary aromas: from the grape (fruit, flowers, herbs).
  • Secondary aromas: from fermentation (bread, dairy, yeast).
  • Tertiary aromas: from aging (wood, vanilla, leather, spices).

A well-conducted tasting allows you to recognize these nuances by simply smelling the glass.

3. Mouth: the analysis of taste and texture

The tasting phase evaluates how the wine behaves on the palate. Here, the following aspects are considered:

• • Acidity: provides freshness.

  • Sweetness: present especially in semi-dry or sweet wines.

  • Bitterness: can appear in young or poorly balanced wines.

  • Saltiness: noticeable in some mineral white wines.

The goal is to find balance and harmony between these components, as well as the sensation the wine leaves at the end.

4.Tannins: structure in red wines

Tannins are compounds found in the skin and seeds of grapes, as well as in wooden barrels. They are responsible for the astringency and provide structure to the wine.

• • In young wines, tannins can be aggressive.

  • In well-aged wines, they feel smoother and rounder.

A wine with good tannins has character and aging potential.

5. Body: the density of the wine on the palate

The body is the sensation of weight that the wine imparts when tasting it. It is related to its alcohol content, concentration, and texture.

• • Light wines: feel fluid, like water.

  • Medium-bodied wines: have presence without being heavy.

  • Full-bodied wines: are dense, smooth, and enveloping.

This characteristic helps define the style of the wine.

6. Aftertaste: the lingering memory the wine leaves

After swallowing, the wine leaves a persistent sensation on the palate. This is called aftertaste or “finish.”

• • If it disappears quickly, it is said to have short persistence.

  • If it lasts for several seconds and is pleasant, it is referred to as a wine with a good finish or long persistence.

A good aftertaste is a sign of quality.

WISET: Train your nose and palate like a professional

For those who want to deepen their sensory wine analysis, there is WISET (Wine Sensory Training). This tool allows you to train your sense of smell and taste using aroma kits and practical sessions. It is ideal for both beginners and enthusiasts who seek to develop their olfactory memory and sensory precision.

With WISET, identifying notes of fruits, spices, or wood will become easier and more natural.

Conclusion: Your First Step Towards Professional Tasting

Mastering these 7 wine tasting terms will open the door to a much richer and more conscious experience every time you uncork a bottle. Tasting isn’t about complicating things; it’s about learning to enjoy with attention.

To learn more about the world of wine, DOCa Rioja, and our winery, feel free to visit our blog every Thursday and follow us on social media: @ziniobodegas.