Wine tasting in Valencia is one of the best things to do if you are a lover of good flavours and you like to experiment and do different activities in the city.
It is a sensory journey that combines history, tradition and culture. All in one day. Wine tasting at the Celler, the oldest winery in Valencia, is a journey into the past. A journey back to the 13th century.
But, before starting this experience, you need to take into account some tips to enjoy and make the most of the flavours of the land.
‘A glass of wine at the right time is worth more than all the riches of the earth’.
Gustav Mahler.
Prepare your palate
Before starting a tasting, it is essential to prepare your palate. Avoid strong foods, spices or even intensely flavoured chewing gum for at least 30 minutes before the tasting. In order to notice every note of the wine brushing against your taste buds, make sure you start with a clean palate.
Also, don’t forget to hydrate between wines. Yes, drinking water between drinks helps keep your taste buds in better shape. Ready for the next wine.
Light to intense
That ‘the order of the factors does not alter the product’, in a wine tasting it can alter it. And a lot of it. The order in which you taste the wines is key.
According to the ‘Journal of Wine Research’, tasting wines from less to more intense prevents stronger flavours from overpowering more subtle ones. Start with white or rosé wines and move on to more robust reds.
Smell it and look at it
Aroma plays a crucial role in taste perception. A study by the University of Dijon reveals that up to 80% of what we perceive as taste comes from smell. Before drinking, observe the colour of the wine and take a deep breath to capture its aromas. This will help you anticipate the flavours and prepare your palate for tasting.
Practical tip: Shake the glass gently to release the more volatile aromas. Take your time to identify subtle notes such as fruits, spices or flowers. Don’t rush!
Serve, sniff, taste, and evaluate.
Proper technique is essential for effective wine tasting. A study published in the ‘American Journal of Enology and Viticulture’ suggests following the ‘pour it, sniff it, taste it, evaluate it’ process. First, pour the wine into a suitable glass, then take a deep sniff to capture its aromas, then take a small sip and let the wine coat your palate before swallowing.
Write down your experience
Note your observations on aroma, taste and mouthfeel. This will not only help you to remember which were your favourites, but will also allow you to see your evolution in your knowledge of wine.
So, before you even walk out the cellar door, you’ll know which wine you’ll need to buy to make your own home wine tasting and impress your guests.