Tasting Time

Wine, along with most other products, is expected to drop in sales and demand during a global recession such like the one we are experiencing today. What do we see with wine consumers during the recession? Many instead of buying bottles in restaurants at $40 and up are enjoying wine in their homes at $15 or $20 a bottle.  Given its political economic climate, Argentina stays very competitive in this lower range. Wine quality from productive regions like Mendoza and Buenos Aires is only improving as exports increase, knowledge is transferred, and enthusiasts from all over the globe become more interested. Wine tastings increase in number and become more important as discovery junctures. The result: each day that passes becomes a missed opportunity to acquire great wine at a true bargain.

            How then, can you get the most out of your impending wine tasting experience in Buenos Aires, or wherever you may so happen to be in the country? There are absolutely a few basics and things to look for while tasting Argentine wine, or any wine for that matter. Aroma is absolutely a distinctive feature for any wine. When tasting a deep red like a Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon, first analyze the colors and tilt the glass at a 45-degree angle to view what is known as the “legs” of the wine.  This extra wine which falls down from above the angle informs you of the body, whether it’s more full-bodied and thick or lighter. Give the glass a nice vigorous 10-second swirl and insert your nose to next smell the rich aromas.  When prepared to taste, take a sip and track the taste all the way into your throat and up to the nostrils. Keep three phases in mind: attack, evolution, and finish. In the attack you are discerning between acidity, alcohol, sugar, and tannins to get a sense of the balance and complexity of the wine. The evolution refers to the actual taste according to your palate. Here it helps to compare to various familiar flavors such as fruit, oak, and vanilla. Finally, for the finish note how long the flavors stick around and what flavor you’re left with in the end. With these basics, you’re ready to begin taking advantage of great Argentine wine at your wine tastings and can begin differentiating even between Cabernet Sauvignons and Malbecs.