| It's great hosting a wine tasting party! When doing | | | | cleanse the palate between sips of wine. If you |
| so, see that you follow these steps to ensure | | | | would like to add some festivity, then you could |
| your guests get the most out of their experience | | | | serve light appetizers that complement the wine. |
| at your wine tasting party. | | | | In the case of an Italian theme you could serve |
| Which Wines should you serve? | | | | Parmesan cheese or seasoned olives. |
| There is a host of wines to make your choice. | | | | The Experience |
| They are red, white and sparkling wines. You may | | | | Wine tasting arouses three senses, that of seeing, |
| choose one of the three types or make a smart | | | | smelling and tasting. As host you should be familiar |
| mix of all three. A great way to get started is | | | | with the art. The glass containing the wine should |
| with the sparkling wine, which arouses the taste | | | | be lifted up against a white background to see the |
| buds. You should next serve a light wine and then | | | | color. The color of the wine should be brilliant and |
| a fuller-bodied wine. You must ensure that the | | | | clear. The wine should next be swirled gently in |
| wines do not overpower each other in their | | | | the glass holding it at the stem while the base |
| flavors, especially the flavor of the wine tasted | | | | rests on the table. That will incorporate air into the |
| before. An exciting way to conduct your wine | | | | wine to release the molecules into the air. You |
| tasting party is to introduce a theme. It could be | | | | should now take a whiff at the wine to gauge the |
| like "Italian Wines" where you serve a collection of | | | | aroma. You will be able to identify it with the |
| wines from the different regions of Italy, such as | | | | flavors of flowers or fruits. That will also indicate |
| Veneto, Piedmont and Tuscany. | | | | the taste of the wine. |
| How to Serve Wine | | | | Now sip the wine and swirl it around in the mouth, |
| The Glass - White wine is usually served in a | | | | allowing the nuances to seep into your taste buds. |
| small, slightly curved glass to help retain the chill of | | | | Savor the taste to distinguish the flavor, which |
| the wine and bring out its aroma and delicate | | | | could be dry to semi-dry, or sweet to |
| flavor. Red wine is usually served in a large round | | | | semi-sweet. Does the taste feel light-bodied or |
| shaped glass to heighten aroma and flavor. | | | | heavy-bodied? Judging from the smell and the |
| Temperature - White wine should be served | | | | taste is it fruity or flower flavored? It will please |
| chilled after refrigerating an unopened bottle for | | | | you to see the satisfied looks of your guests |
| an hour or two. Red wine should be served a cool | | | | when they identify with the characteristics of |
| room- temperature. Approximately one and a half | | | | each wine and what they like. Your guests will |
| ounces of wine should be poured into a glass. | | | | appreciate being provided with notepads to write |
| Eats with the Wine - You may serve unsalted | | | | down the characteristics of each wine as they |
| crackers or bread and water. The water helps | | | | party. |