05/18/06 Smelling Wine

Welcome to Vine to Wine, this is your host Linda Moran and today we are going to discuss really smelling a glass of wine, and why it is so beneficial. Recently, while observing people wine tasting I realized many of you are missing a lot! Getting the most out of a glass of wine is lost when you don't take the time to really smell it. The whole aspect of smelling the wine and I mean really putting your face and nose into the glass is a ritual with purpose. A wine is full of fragrance beyond simple grape juice. And with a bit of practice you will discover that a wine may smell like fruit  but yes what kind of fruit? Apple? Ask yourself what kind of apple. Is it green and tart like a granny smith or soft and sweet like a red delicious? Does it have any other familiar aromatics like smoke or toast? Chances are that once you stop and take the time to give smelling wine as much time as drinking it, you will discover a world of new flavors as well. Because you see our ability to perceive flavor is intimately related to our sense of smell. If you don't believe me try holding your nose while you eat and drink. Give yourself time with a glass of wine and check in with the smell as it sits in your glass. Notice how it changes. All of this will help you to remember and savor the wines that you enjoy most. Remember to send your wine questions to Linda at vine to wine dot net and thanks for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.