Protect the wines from temperature variation (not less than 8 degrees in winter and not more than 18 degrees in summer). Avoid any vibration, e.g. from fridge motor, water pump or nearby road traffic etc.

Coffee, toothpaste and mint should be avoided before wine tasting. The best time is at the end of the morning.


The influence of the moon. A full moon will make the wine harsher.


The influence of altitude : wines will age more quickly at higher altitudes but this will give a  much stronger taste.


The best type of wine glass is a tulip shaped one (INAO type) It should be rinsed out with clean water.

Hold the glass by the bottom. A glass is composed of  the stem, the "button" , the bowl and the rim.
 

Appearance :

• colour, brilliance, limpidity, fluidity
• Don’t forget to look for  the tears of glycerol.

The ‘nose’ or aroma :

• Primary aromas( the grape),
  secondary aromas (fermentation),
  Tertiary aromas the "bouquet" (ageing)
• Flower aromas
• Fruit aromas

Taste :

Different tastes : Sweet, Salty, Acid, Bitter

Confirmation of the aroma, new tastes, the balance between  acidity and -alcohol (white wine), and acidity, tannins and alcohol  (red wine)