Tasting
Finish
The taste and sensations that linger after swallowing.
The finish is the collection of sensations and flavors that remain in your mouth after you have swallowed (or spit) the wine. It is often considered the most important indicator of a wine's quality.
Evaluating the Finish
- Length: How long does the flavor last?
- Short: < 5 seconds (Simple, everyday wines)
- Medium: 5–15 seconds
- Long: > 15 seconds (High quality)
- Exceptional: > 30-60 seconds (Fine wines)
- Complexity: Does the flavor evolve? Do you taste fruit first, then spice, then earth? Or does it just taste like alcohol?
- Pleasantness: Is the lingering taste enjoyable (fruit, spice, chocolate) or harsh (bitter, hot alcohol, metallic)?
Terms to Describe Finish
- Clean: No off-flavors, fades naturally.
- Spicy: Peppery or baking spice notes linger.
- Bitter: An unpleasant drying sensation (often from unbalanced tannins or oak).
- Hot: A burning sensation from high alcohol.
- Savory: Lingering notes of earth, mineral, or meat.
Master Your Palate
Now that you understand finish, put your knowledge to the test in a blind tasting game.