Something that often comes up during wine tasting sessions is that guests want to describe what they’re experiencing in the glass but struggle to articulate it. Most have only encountered basic descriptors like “red fruit” or “spice.” While these broad descriptors work as starting points for wine tasting beginners, they’re like saying, “I went on holiday” without mentioning where! Is that “red fruit” a sun-kissed strawberry? A tart raspberry? And what about “spice”? Are we talking about fynbos or cracked black pepper?
Let’s break down how to smell wine properly and help you confidently identify those complex aromas swirling in your glass.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Smell Wine
Proper wine tasting isn’t just about sipping—it’s about experiencing the wine’s complete aromatic profile. Many beginners rush to drink the wine, missing half the joy: identifying the wine aromatics.
Here’s how to smell wine effectively:
- Swirl your wine gently in the glass;
- Lean in close to the glass;
- Take a deep sniff with both nostrils (each nostril detects different nuances);
- Clear your nose by smelling the inside of your elbow between sniffs;
- State your first aroma impression, no matter what it might be.
Pro Tip: Use a wider-bowled wine glass (like a red wine glass) when learning wine aromas. The larger bowl better captures and concentrates the aromatics.
Using Memory to Identify Wine Aromas
Smell is our strongest sense tied to memory, making it invaluable for wine tasting. When you encounter familiar scents in wine—whether citrus, fresh bread, or woodland aromas—they can trigger specific memories that help with identification.
Tips for building your “smell library”:
- Notice everyday aromas intentionally
- Remember specific scent memories
- Practice identifying common wine varietals
- Use structured tools like aroma wheels
Wine Tasting Tools and Resources
Two essential tools for learning wine aromas:
- Wine Aroma Wheel by Ann C. Noble (winearomawheel.com)
- Wine Folly’s Interactive Aroma Chart (winefolly.com)
These guides categorize wine aromas into families—fruits, spices, flowers, and more—making identification more systematic and approachable.
Practicing Wine Aroma Recognition
Like any skill, identifying wine aromas improves with regular practice. Start with these steps:
- Choose one varietal to focus on.
- Reference an aroma wheel while tasting.
- Take detailed tasting notes.
- Compare your findings with standard varietal characteristics.
- Practice regularly with different wines.
Remember: Wine tasting should be enjoyable, not intimidating. Whether you detect “ripe mango,” “toasted hazelnut,” or “ocean breeze,” every wine offers unique aromatic signatures waiting to be discovered.
FAQ About Wine Aromas
Q: How can I improve my wine-smelling ability?
A: Practice regularly, use proper glassware, and build your aroma memory through intentional smell training.
Q: What are common wine aroma categories?
A: Primary categories include fruits, flowers, herbs, spices, earth, and oak-derived aromas.
Q: Why does wine smell different after swirling?
A: Swirling releases volatile aromatic compounds and helps oxygenate the wine, revealing more complex aromas.
Grab your glass, start exploring those aromas, and enhance your wine-drinking experience. Cheers to developing your wine sensory skills!
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