What's up with wine tasting?
By Guy Bower - Wichita Eagle, April 2002

Have you noticed that there are more wine events, tastings and wine
dinners here in the Midwest than ever before? Pretty popular, this simple
beverage of fermented grape juice keeps growing; right along with us baby
boomers.

Do you feel left out, lack the knowledge to avoid the intimidation
of a wine list at your favorite restaurant, or are baffled by "wine speak"
at social gatherings? Well, it could be time for you to get on the wine
bandwagon. And you don't even have to be a boomer, it seems all the
maturing generations are joining in the wine craze.
Here are some basics to hang your hat on so you can expand your
wine enjoyment - and being in the know will be fun!

It's in the taste!
Let's talk briefly about the basics of taste. Taste is subjective;
I won't attempt to tell you what you should like or why. Rather, give you
some pointers to allow you to better make your own choices. Taste - there is
a lot to it. Let's approach a glass of wine, any wine, and do more than
just drink it.

First, look at it. Look for clarity, depth of varietal color and
any visible faults. Swirl it in the glass; it's a good idea to have a
large, delicate wine glass and not overfill it. As the wine settles to
level, look for "the legs" or how the wine adheres to the sides of the
glass. In wine-speak, good legs are a sign of viscosity or body. Swirling
also sets the aroma free and allows you to enjoy the most important part of
the taste experience.

Aroma is everything!
Take the time to enjoy the nuances, the floral fruity aromas of the
grape and the components from fermentation, vinification and aging. If you
don't think the nose is important, when nobody is looking, hold your nose
and take a sip. Not much there, until you release your nose and the aromas
sneak in through the back of your olfactory senses. It gives new meaning to
taking the time to "smell the roses."

Now taste
Take a big sip, but don't swallow. Hold the wine in your mouth and
allow it to seep to the outside of your tongue. Remember, the science of
taste says we can detect sweet, sour, bitter and salty. Not many wines have
a salty taste, but enjoy the different textures and flavor components. If
the wine has lots of tannin, you can feel the astringent quality on the
outside of your tongue as well as the warmth from the alcohol. Swallow,
savor and contemplate, see what you've been missing, take your time and
enjoy. The lingering aftertaste is called the finish. A long lingering
finish will evolve and bring out some of the layers of fruit and flavor
complexity that can be missed in a quick sip.

Now the part that takes some effort;
remembering the flavors, textures and components that you like, and
being able to put them into words. Or better yet, remember what you like so
you can make better wine choices. Talking about the experience with
like-minded folks and sharing your impression is half the fun.
How can someone get involved so they can share the wine experience?
There are lots of ways: Take a wine class, attend a wine dinner,
join a tasting group such as the Wichita Chapter of The American Institute
of Wine & Food (www.aiwfwichita.com) or better yet; attend one of the many
Wine Festivals available this time of year.

The 7th Annual Midwest Winefest, a benefit for the Guadalupe Clinic
here in Wichita, is a three-day event that shouldn't be missed! For more
information on a tasting in Oldtown, gourmet winemaker dinners and the
Winefest itself with more than 350 wines to sample, gourmet food from some
of the city's finest restaurants and silent and live auctions, visit:
www.midwestwinefest.com.

Tasting wine in such a convivial atmosphere takes some of the
mystery out of it and is a good way to try wines without buying the entire
bottle.
May you always enjoy The Good Life, and expand your wine horizons!


2002 Midwest Wine Events

7th Annual Midwest Winefest,
April 25-27 - Wichita, Kan.
A benefit for the Guadalupe Clinic
www.midwestwinefest.com

4th Annual Salute! A Festival of Wine & Food,
July 13 - Lawrence, Kan.
A benefit for Cottonwood Inc.
(785) 842-0550

4th Annual Flinthills Festival of Wine,
October - Manhattan, Kan.
A benefit for Homecare & Hospice
www.flinthillswinefest.com

Traveling - Here are some other great events!

Taste of Washington
April 21 - Seattle, Wash.
www.washingtonwine.org

20th Annual Paso Robles Wine Festival
May 17-19 - Paso Robles, Calif.
www.pasowine.com

The 11th Annual New Orleans Wine & Food Experience
May 22-26 - New Orleans, La.
www.nowfe.com

The 22nd Annual Napa Valley Wine Auction
June 6-8 - Napa, Calif.

20th Annual Food & Wine Classic at Aspen
June 14-16 - Aspen, Colorado
(877) 900-WINE