How the environment influences wine tasting

Personal experiences and reflections

The impact of the environment on the sensory evaluation of wine is a subject with limited literature, so we want to bring some real-life experiences to the table as discussion points.

"One evening with friends, I had an experience that made me reflect on how the environment can drastically alter the organoleptic perception of a wine. I had brought two bottles of a structured and complex red wine, but during the tasting, both seemed so bitter that they were almost undrinkable. The next day, in the privacy of my home, the same bottles proved to be excellent. Could something in the dinner environment have influenced our perception? After talking with my friend, I discovered that he was burning amber to purify the air in the house. That evening taught me a valuable lesson: the environment in which a wine is tasted can significantly impact our sensations."

This assertion was further supported during an evening at a company specializing in designing healthy environments for well-being and quality of life in indoor spaces. In their showroom, there was a selection of all the products and services the company offers and designs to ensure excellent quality in elements such as air, light, sound, and ambient temperature. It was a space designed to provide an optimal environment for living and working, where all elements contribute to well-being.

"During the evening, I had the opportunity to serve three of our wines that I know very well, but they revealed themselves in a new light, even better than before. They were honest, open wines, showing their peculiarities like a sharp image without shadows. I was delighted to find that in an environment where everything is dedicated to well-being, tasting wine becomes a new experience."

With this lesson firmly in mind, let’s explore how to optimize the environment and conditions for the most accurate and satisfying wine tasting experience possible.

The importance of the environment

The location and manner in which a tasting is conducted significantly influence the result. This is why it is crucial to use the same method and taste as much as possible in the same environment. Creating a standardized tasting station can help isolate the variations that truly matter: those of the wine itself.

Useful tips for proper tasting

Always sit in the same chair and in the same position. Use a table with a white surface to facilitate color analysis. Keep lighting conditions consistent. Prefer solitude to avoid distractions. Taste on an empty stomach or with a clean palate. Standardize the tasting time. Always use the same type of glasses, made of plain glass or crystal. Ensure the glasses are well-cleaned and free of detergent residue. Fill the glasses to the same level each time. Make sure your hands are not scented. Always taste wines at the same serving temperature. Taste at least two wines to allow for the essential qualitative comparison of recorded sensations. Take notes on the sensations experienced. If your sense of smell becomes fatigued or desensitized, regain sensitivity by smelling a glass of water.

Other factors to consider

The psychological reaction to tasting

Emotional and psychological states can significantly affect the ability to taste and evaluate wine. Considering how stress or mood might influence tasting could offer additional layers of understanding.

Group tasting vs. solo tasting

While solitude can reduce distractions, group tastings can offer further insights. Discussions with other enthusiasts may reveal nuances in the wine that might have been overlooked.

Seasonality as a factor

The effect of seasonality on tastings is another often overlooked aspect. For example, a wine may appear different if tasted in summer compared to winter.

Recognizing wines: a secondary aspect

Contrary to popular belief, identifying the vintage or producer is not the hallmark of a great taster. The primary goal is to evaluate the quality and organoleptic characteristics of the wine itself rather than pinpointing its origin.

The personal experiences we discussed earlier highlight the crucial importance of the environment in wine tasting. Even a small detail, such as the presence of aromatic molecules in the air, can completely alter our perception. Therefore, beyond the various techniques and methods to taste wine as objectively as possible, it is essential to consider the environment in which the tasting takes place. As we have personally observed, the quality of the environment can make the difference between a failed tasting experience and a revelatory one.

Now that you have all this information on how to taste wine properly, buy our wines and start your tasting.

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Cheers!