Introduction
Whether you’re an experienced sommelier or a complete beginner, you can’t deny the fact that there’s something magical and special about wine-tasting. It’s an amazing way to connect to wines and to uncover unique stories, flavors, aromas, and more! But what’s one of the most exciting and unexpected discoveries you can make while wine-tasting? In this blog post, I’ll explore the most exciting and unexpected things I’ve discovered while wine-tasting, and I hope it will inspire more enthusiasm and appreciation for the art of wine-tasting.
Terroir
One of the most exciting and unexpected things I’ve discovered during wine-tasting is the concept of terroir. This notion is tied to the French concept of “les terres”, which means soil and land. In regards to wine, terroir refers to the unique characteristics of a wine region and the impact it has on the finished wine. This includes factors such as the soil type, elevation, climate, and more. Each of these different elements can shape the wines of a particular region, resulting in truly unique and special wines.
A great example of this is from France’s Burgundy region. Here, the climate, soil type, and elevation are absolutely integral to the production of fine Burgundy wines. This is because each of these elements imparts its own unique characteristics into the finished wines. For instance, the clay-rich limestone soils of the Cote de Nuits impart a smoky and silky texture to the white wines, while the soils of the Cote de Beaune impart more of a mineral and wet stone flavor.
This concept of terroir is something that I find absolutely fascinating. It’s amazing to think that by simply looking at the land, we can begin to get an understanding of the finished wines that will be produced. It really highlights the importance of understanding the land and the vineyards when it comes to tasting wines.
Old Vines
Another exciting and unexpected thing I’ve discovered while wine-tasting is the importance of old vines. Old vines are simply vines that have been growing in a specific vineyard for over three decades. There are a few different benefits to old vines, such as lower yields and smaller grapes. But what’s truly exciting is the incredible complexity and expression of flavor that these old vines can impart onto the wines.
Old vines can impart incredible aromas and flavors such as leather, tobacco, dark fruits, mushroom, and more. This is due to the long amount of time that these vines have been able to develop their own unique flavor profiles, due to the different elements in their environment. This is especially true in cooler climates such as in France’s northern and eastern regions, where old vines are particularly prevalent.
These extra flavors that can only be found in temperamental old vines also have the added benefit of lengthening the finish of the wines. This makes the wines more interesting and complex, as your tongue will keep detecting different flavors with each sip.
This discovery was exciting for me as old vines help to show how amazingly expressive and complex wines can be. They really showcase the importance of the environment, and really highlight the craftsmanship behind each bottle of wine.
T’s and T’s
The third exciting and unexpected discovery I’ve made while wine-tasting is the importance of “T’s and T’s”. The “T’s” stand for “tannin”, “tartaric acid”, and “tertiary aromas”. These three elements play an integral role in the quality of a wine, and can have a very large influence when it comes to tasting and enjoying a bottle.
Tannin is a natural element in red grapes, and is usually found as a powdery-like material on the stems and skins. It helps to give wines its structure and backbone, and can impart a variety of flavors from black pepper to dark chocolate.
Tartaric acid is a natural element found in grapes, and it helps to add freshness and acidity. It helps to make wines more balanced and approachable, without being overly acidic or sour.
Finally, tertiary aromas are the unique flavors that develop over time in a bottle of wine. These can range from tobacco, leather, earthy notes, and more. They are often more subtle than primary and secondary aromas, but they can be incredibly complex and interesting.
These three elements of “T’s and T’s” all work together to create an integrated and complex wine. They can also help to elevate basic wines, and give them a unique character that perseveres over time. It’s always a pleasant surprise when tasting a wine and discovering its hidden complexities.
Conclusion
I’ve had the pleasure of exploring many exciting and unexpected things while wine-tasting throughout my career. Whether it’s the concept of terroir, the complexity of old vines, or the importance of “t’s and t’s”, there is always something new and interesting to uncover. I am continuously amazed at the complexity and diversity of the wines around the world, and I will never stop exploring and learning more.
To all those budding sommeliers out there, don’t forget to be open and curious while wine-tasting. You never know what amazing things you’ll discover and explore!
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