No matter if you're a wine snob or wine novice, reading reviews can be fun and informative. Mastering the skill of writing them can be equally satisfying. Before opening your next bottle of Cabernet or Pinot Noir, try your hand at penning a review by using these tips.
Instructions
1. Learn by example. The easiest way to hone your skills is by reading the millions of wine reviews already out there. Most are in an easy-to-follow pattern that's easy to pick up on. Do an Internet search for "wine reviews" or type in the name of a specific bottle. You can also visit liquor stores to read posted reviews or grab a wine publication, such as "Wine Spectator" magazine. Remember--the more you read, the more you learn.
2. Include the basics. Wine critiques are useless without the vitals. Mention the vintage of the bottle (the year it was made), the vineyard where it was produced, the appellation (if specified on the bottle), and the type of grape (i.e., pinot noir, chardonnay). For example, when writing a review for a 2004 Kistler Vineyards Chardonnay Dutton Ranch, the reviewer would need to find space for all of this--2004, Kistler, Dutton Ranch and Chardonnay.
3. Stick with the senses. The way the (i.e., bitter, spicy, sweet), the way it smells (i.e., pungent, soft, floral), and its color (i.e., golden, crimson, deep purple) should all be added to your review. You might describe a bottle as being, "Spicy and sweet, with a crimson color and sharp on the nose."
4. Forget 8th grade English class. The majority of wine reviews are not grammatically-correct paragraphs with complete sentences. Use a staccato style, concentrating on getting your point across. This may feel choppy at first, but it is the preferred way to describe wine. For example, a proper wine review would read, "Shows potential, grassy on the tongue and a distinct aftertaste; would be best served with grilled chicken."
5. Use adjectives. Wine presents writers with the opportunity to create flowery, colorful text. Don't be afraid to utilize describing words. A dry and boring review won't be taken seriously. If the wine tastes delicious, use the word "ambrosial." If you open a bottle and it tastes like a pile of dirt, use the word "repellent."
6. Trust your taste buds. No two wine reviews are the same, because everyone detects something different when they put their lips to a glass. Individuality will only boost the quality of your review. Believe what your taste buds are telling you when you open that bottle.
Tags: wine reviews, your taste buds, Dutton Ranch, taste buds, wine tastes, your review, your taste