Wein degustieren

Tasting is more than drinking: those who look, smell and taste attentively discover a whole world in the glass – no expertise required.

See: reading the colour

Hold the glass against a light background and tilt it slightly. The colour reveals much: young whites are pale yellow, aged ones more golden; young reds glow purple, older ones turn brick-red. The legs at the rim hint at body and alcohol.

Smell: exploring the bouquet

Swirl the glass to release the aromas and smell in several draws. Try to place the scents: fruit, flowers, herbs, wood or ageing notes. Smell makes up the largest part of taste – take your time.

Taste: grasping the structure

Take a sip and roll it over the whole tongue. Note acidity, sweetness, tannin, body and the finish – how long the taste lingers. A long, harmonious finish is a sign of quality.

Recommended for practice

• Sancerre AOC – a clear white – ideal for practising fruit and acidity.
• Del Conte Barolo – a complex red – perfect for tannin and finish.
• Ciccilla Prosecco – lively – for grasping bubbles and freshness.

Tips for tasting

Taste in daylight and without distracting odours. Start with light, dry wines and build up to powerful and sweet ones. Drink water in between – and trust your own impression more than any score.

Discover our selection of white wines and taste like a pro. Free shipping from CHF 99 throughout Switzerland and to Liechtenstein.

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Goes well with this: serving wine at the right temperature

Even the best wine falls short at the wrong temperature. A wine fridge keeps whites and reds steady within their ideal serving range.

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