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Sanger Family Wine Blog

Welcome to The Sanger Family of Wines Blog

Our blog is a place to bring you closer to the heart of The Sanger Family of Wines. Here, you’ll find insights into our winemaking journey, from the artistry behind Consilience, Tre Anelli, and Marianello wines to tips on food pairings and seasonal events in Santa Barbara Wine Country.

We created this space to share our passion for the Santa Ynez lifestyle and invite you to explore our wines from vineyard to glass. Whether visiting our Solvang tasting room or reading from afar, we hope these stories deepen your connection with our wines.

Justin Sanger
 
October 28, 2024 | Justin Sanger

How to Taste Wine Like a Pro: Swirl, Sniff, and Sip

 

How to Taste Wine Like a Pro: Swirl, Sniff, and Sip

Wine tasting can be magical; there’s something that elevates the experience beyond mere sipping. The magic has to do with your exploration of the wine’s sensory experience and exposure to the story inside each bottle. You probably won’t become a pro taster now, but we’ll give you some pointers to enjoy the experience more thoughtfully. Here’s a simple guide to tasting for the next time you uncork your bottle of Sanger wine.

Swirl – Bring Your Wine to Life

Let’s begin with the swirl. Hold your glass by the stem and give it a little twirl. Lift the wine to your nose and inhale. We’re not just moving the wine inside the glass at this point; we’re waking it up. By swirling your wine, you’re allowing it to mingle with oxygen, releasing flavors and aromas that would otherwise remain in slumber. This is especially true of reds such as our Double Gold Cabernet. With every swirl, you’re revealing another layer of depth and complexity and opening up this delicious wine so that its character can breathe a little.

Sniff – Uncover the Layers

Sniff the wine deeply from your glass, breathe in, and let the aromas unfold. Close your eyes if you need to, and see what associations arise – do you detect blackberry, cedar, spice, or something else? There’s always a story to be conjured from a wine at this pre-cognitive step. This ‘in-breath of waiting’ is not only about smell identification. It is also an anticipatory moment when the narrator – the wine – will reveal itself to the reader – you – before it ever even touches your tongue.

Sip – Discover the Flavors

Finally, drink, but don’t swallow immediately. Let it journey over your palate, noting as it crests how fruits give way to a slow wash of smooth tannins. Is it a bold, full-bodied Cabernet bursting with flavor or a crisp, sun-kissed Sauvignon Blanc with lively acidity? Either way, you will learn something new with each sip – or at least if it’s a red or a white – but with each mouthful. 

Start your tasting adventure now at our tasting room in Solvang, California, in the heart of Central Valley Wine Country. Or, Swirl, Sniff, and Sip from the comfort of your home by choosing your favorite wines at the Sanger Wines Online Store

Cheers to the journey,

The Sanger Family of Wines