California resident Kelli Gillam is a production accountant who has worked on several projects. Outside of her profession, Kelli Gillam’s interests include wine and tasting, which culminated in her owning her venture a few years ago-Terranova Fine Wines based in downtown Monterey.
Wine-tasting in California’s wine country can be an experience that introduces a person to diverse wines of varying textures and flavors. For better appreciation, do not pour too much wine no matter how good it tastes. When touring a few wineries in a day, the amount of alcohol that is ingested adds up, especially when the standard tasting is between one and three ounces. Plus, drinking too much can detract from the entire experience which involves tasting the wine for flavor, body, tannins, and astringency.
Another tip for great wine tasting is to avoid heavier wines until the end. Heavier wines tend to mask the flavor of lighter wines, so starting with white wines and ending with reds makes sense. After drinking several samples, compounds from the wine linger on the tongue and interfere with other tastings. To reset the palate, consider drinking water or eating neutral foods like bread or crackers.
Finally, technique is everything when tasting the wine. Slowly swirl the glass while smelling the bouquet as opposed to aggressively swirling the wine around the glass. When tasting the wine, roll the wine around the tongue while paying attention to earthy or fruity flavors.
