Blind Tasting Strategies
Blind tasting isn't a magic trick. It's a logic puzzle. By observing a set of clues, you can systematically eliminate possibilities until you're left with the answer.
The Deductive Method
The goal isn't to take one sip and guess "1982 Château Margaux." The goal is to build a case.
If a wine is pale ruby, high in acid, and smells like cherries and dirt, it must be Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo. If it has no tannins, it's Pinot Noir. See? Logic.
Visual Clues
- Opacity: Can you read text through the red wine? If yes, it's thin-skinned (Pinot Noir, Gamay, Grenache). If no, it's thick-skinned (Cabernet, Syrah, Malbec).
- Rim Color: A watery rim suggests a young wine. A brick/orange rim suggests age.
- Legs/Tears: Slow, thick legs indicate high alcohol (warm climate) or sugar. Fast sheets indicate lower alcohol.
Structural Clues
Structure is the fingerprint of the grape.
- Acid: Makes your mouth water. High acid points to cool climates or specific grapes (Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese).
- Tannin: Dries your mouth. High tannin points to Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo, or Syrah.
- Alcohol: Heat in the throat. High alcohol points to warm climates (California, Australia, Southern Europe).
Fruit vs. Non-Fruit
Categorizing the aromas is essential.
- Old World (Europe): Often has "non-fruit" smells like earth, minerals, herbs, or leather alongside the fruit.
- New World (US, Aus, SA): Dominated by ripe, forward fruit smells.
Climate Indicators
The ripeness of the fruit tells you about the weather.
Cool Climate
Tart fruit (cranberry, green apple), high acid, lower alcohol, more earth.
Warm Climate
Ripe/jammy fruit (black cherry, pineapple), lower acid, higher alcohol, more body.
Common Confusions
Some wines look and taste similar. Here's how to tell them apart:
- Sauvignon Blanc vs. Chardonnay: Sauv Blanc is herbal (grass, jalapeño) and high acid. Chardonnay is broader, often oaky/buttery, or apple-focused.
- Merlot vs. Cabernet: Merlot is smoother, plummier, and has softer tannins. Cabernet is more structured, with currant and pepper notes.
- Syrah vs. Malbec: Syrah is meaty, peppery, and savory. Malbec is purple, floral, and fruit-forward.
Practice Your Skills
The only way to get better is to taste. Host a blind tasting game on Vine Savant.