Become a Better Wine Taster: Tips to Unlock Your Senses

As a sommelier, one of the most frequent questions I get—aside from “What’s your favourite wine?”—is, “How can I become a better wine taster?” While there are no shortcuts to mastering the art of tasting, the good news is that anyone can improve their skills with a little guidance and practice. The key lies not just in your palate but in your scent memory and understanding the science of taste.

Why Tasting Is About Scent Memory, Not Just Tasting

Most articles about wine tasting focus on mechanics: how to swirl, sniff, and sip. While these steps are important, they often neglect the fascinating neuroscience behind tasting. To truly become a better taster, it’s worth exploring how our sense of smell connects to memory and emotion.

The Role of the Brain in Smelling and Tasting

Unlike other senses, our sense of smell bypasses the brain’s thalamus and goes directly to the limbic system. This part of the brain processes emotion and memory, which explains why certain scents can instantly transport us to a specific moment in time. For example, the aroma of fresh strawberries might remind you of summer picnics, or the earthy scent of mushrooms might evoke a favourite dish.

By tapping into this connection between scent and memory, we can train ourselves to identify and recall specific aromas in wine, improving our tasting abilities over time.

Putting Scent Memory to Work

At its core, wine tasting is about making comparisons. When you read a tasting note that describes a wine as having “aromas of blackberries, cherries, and sweet licorice,” these descriptors come from the taster’s ability to recall those scents from memory. The more aromas you can recognise and remember, the better you’ll be at identifying them in wine.

How to Build Your Scent Memory

Developing your scent memory is easier than you might think, and it starts with something as simple as visiting the grocery store. The next time you pick up a piece of fruit, take a moment to smell it. Focus on its aroma and try to memorise it. Does the strawberry smell sweet and juicy? Is the orange zesty and sharp? By repeatedly practising this exercise, you’ll build a mental library of scents to draw upon when tasting wine.

I still remember the first time I truly focused on the aroma of raspberries. It was at a farmer’s market, and the fresh berries had such a distinct, sweet tang that it stuck with me. Years later, I recognised that same aroma in a Pinot Noir, and it immediately enhanced my appreciation of the wine.

Practice with Everyday Scents

You don’t need exotic fruits or rare ingredients to practice scent memory. Start with everyday items like herbs, flowers, and spices. Sniff a handful of fresh basil or a sprig of rosemary and note their unique characteristics. Does the basil smell peppery or slightly sweet? Does the rosemary have a woody, pine-like aroma?

Even less obvious scents, like the earthy smell of soil or the floral notes of a rose, can come into play when describing wine. The next time you’re in a garden or on a walk, take a moment to breathe deeply and take in your surroundings. These experiences enrich your scent memory and provide valuable context for future tastings.

Understanding Wine Aromas

Many wine descriptors—like “blackberry,” “vanilla,” or “earthy”—might seem abstract at first, especially since wine doesn’t contain these ingredients. However, the compounds responsible for these aromas are naturally present in grapes or develop during fermentation and ageing.

Fruit Aromas

Fruit aromas are often the easiest to identify, especially in young wines. Red wines may feature dark fruits like blackberry or cherry, while white wines often have notes of citrus or tropical fruits.

Non-Fruit Aromas

As you explore more complex wines, you’ll encounter non-fruit aromas like herbs, spices, or even floral notes. For example:

• Herbal: Freshly cut grass, eucalyptus, or mint
• Spices: Cinnamon, clove, or vanilla (often from oak ageing)
• Floral: Rose petals, violets, or orange blossom

With practice, you’ll learn to detect these subtle nuances and appreciate how they contribute to the wine’s overall character.

Practical Tips to Improve Your Tasting Skills

Improving as a wine taster takes time and dedication, but it can also be a lot of fun. Here are some practical tips to help you on your journey:

1. Keep a Wine Journal

Recording your impressions of each wine you try is a great way to track your progress. Note the wine’s appearance, aromas, flavours, and finish. Over time, you’ll notice patterns and preferences that deepen your understanding of wine.

2. Try Blind Tasting

Blind tasting challenges you to identify a wine’s characteristics without knowing its label or origin. It’s a fantastic way to hone your skills and eliminate preconceived notions. Start with a few wines of different varietals and try to guess their key traits.

3. Taste with Others

Tasting with friends or joining a wine club can provide new perspectives and insights. Everyone’s palate is different, so discussing your impressions with others can help you discover new aromas or flavours you might have missed.

4. Use the Üllo Wine Purifier

The Üllo wine purifier enhances your tasting experience by removing sulphites and reducing histamines, ensuring the wine’s natural flavours shine through. It’s an invaluable tool for both novice and experienced tasters.

Trust Your Senses

Becoming a better wine taster isn’t about memorising rules or impressing others—it’s about connecting with the wine and enjoying the journey. By focusing on scent memory, practising regularly, and trusting your senses, you’ll develop a deeper appreciation for wine and its complexities.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, remember that every sip is an opportunity to learn. Cheers to your tasting adventure!

Ready to elevate your wine experience? Shop Ullo Wine Purifiers and enjoy wine the way it was meant to be savoured.