Want to understand how wine tasting works? Modesto columnist offers simple steps

See it, swirl it, smell it, sip it, swallow or spit it and summarize it are the six basic steps in tasting wine. Most people have problems identifying the aromas, also called descriptors, and that’s because they just sip and swallow. They never slosh it or chew it or gargle it or work it to assist their nose in smelling it. Try it. Take a sip and swallow. Now do the same, but this time slosh it or chew it, working it to the back of your mouth by taking deep breaths and completely coating your mouth. Then after you swallow, breathe through your mouth and exhale through your nose several times. “Oh Wow!” is the comment I usually hear from first time tasters and this is why “Sloshing it” is step number five in my seven basic steps in tasting wine.

Sweetness, acidity, tannin and alcohol all come into play when you like or dislike a wine. For example, is the wine sweet or dry? What do you prefer? Does the wine have too much acidity or not enough? Does your mouth salivate and tingle? It’s your palate, is it too much or not enough? How astringent (mouth drying) or bitter is the wine? Too much tannin creates a furry teeth feel. But are moderate levels OK? If you feel a hot burning sensation in the back of your throat that’s way too much alcohol and probably a turnoff.

If you taste and find any of these four components are out of whack, you can just say no. Sweetness, acidity, tannin and alcohol all have to be in balance in a good wine. Add to that a full body and long flavored finish, you can have a great wine. Remember just trust your palate, it’s always your call. Have fun and don’t forget to “slosh it.”

What’s on our table

Here are three wines for your consideration. The “G” or Grazie Mille by the Francis Ford Coppola Winery is a rich red blend, perfect for pizza and just $5.99 at the Grocery Outlet. The 2020 Veramonte Carmenere organic wine from Chile is rich and velvety. You’ll think it’s Merlot as did the Chileans until the mid 90s when it was identified as Carmenere. The price is $10.99 at most markets. The Quivira Vineyards 2019 Dry Creek Zinfandel is a plush, well balanced wine. With red raspberry/cherry flavors, it’s a Zin lovers delight. The SRP is $28 and it is sale priced a few dollars less. That’s it, a steal, a deal and an excellent splurge, enjoy. Cheers!

Questions? Comments? Find me on Facebook or at rgwinton@yahoo.com.