Professional wine tasting techniques: an in-depth look at balance, complexity and finish

In the world of wine tasting, balance, complexity and aftertaste are key factors in judging the quality of a wine. The following is an in-depth analysis of these three aspects and professional-level wine tasting tips.

balance
Definition: Balance refers to the harmonious coexistence between various elements in a wine (such as acidity, sweetness, tannin, alcohol, etc.), without any one flavor or feeling being too prominent and overwhelming the others.

Wine tasting tips:
1. Savor carefully: let the wine fully unfold in your mouth and feel the blend of various flavors.
2. Judge acidity and sweetness: Pay attention to whether the acidity is too sharp or the sweetness is too greasy. The ideal wine should find a perfect balance between the two.
3. Coordination of tannin and acidity: The tannins in high-quality red wine should complement each other and be neither too dry nor too sharp.

complexity
Definition: Complexity refers to the richness and layering of aromas and flavors in a wine. Complex wines often bring profound sensory experiences and long aftertaste.

Wine tasting tips:
1. Shake the glass to smell the aroma: Gently shake the wine glass to allow the wine to fully contact the air and release more aroma. Perceive the layers of fruity, floral, woody and other aromas in wine through the sense of smell.
2. Appreciate the flavor: When tasting, pay attention to the changes in the wine liquid in your mouth, including the layering of taste and the diversity of flavors.
Gain experience: The perception of complexity requires a certain amount of wine tasting experience. Improve your sensitivity and judgment by constantly trying different types of wine.

Aftertaste
Definition: Aftertaste refers to the taste and aroma that remain in the mouth after the wine is swallowed. It reflects the persistence and depth of the wine.

Wine tasting tips:
1. Taste with wine: Hold the wine in your mouth, spread it throughout your mouth with your tongue, and fully feel its flavor.
2. Swallow slowly: Swallow (or spit out) the wine slowly, then notice the remaining taste and aroma in your mouth.
3. Describe the aftertaste: Describe the aftertaste in terms of flavor and length. Flavor includes the fineness, mouthfeel and specific taste of the wine (such as sweetness, soy sauce, etc.); length refers to how long the aftertaste lasts in the mouth.

Comprehensive review
When tasting a wine, balance, complexity and finish need to be considered. A good wine should excel in these three areas:

Balance: Various elements coexist harmoniously without any abrupt taste.
Complexity: Rich, varied and layered aromas and flavors.
Aftertaste: Long-lasting and pleasant, leaving a lasting impression.

In short, professional wine tasting requires careful observation, careful feeling and accumulation of rich experience. Through continuous practice and learning, you will be able to more accurately judge the quality and charm of a wine.