Wine tasting myths busted, one at a time
There are so many false wine stories out there that need to be “myth busted”!
In all truth, wine enthusiasts and wine experts have disseminated themselves these false beliefs, whether by misreading an article, or by interpreting some anecdotal phenomenon into scientific evidence, or by being misled by convincing arguments from more knowledgeable people (so they thought).
The list
Here is a series of short articles reviewing the most common wine tasting myths that became my pet peeves. Let me offer you some objective explanations and get these myths busted for good.
Myth #1: Supertasters are genetically geared to be better wine tasters
Statistics are telling: 25% of North Americans are supertasters, 25% are non tasters, and 50% are tasters. But what does it have to do with wine?
Read more about this genetic trait that affects sensory perceptions, sensory preferences, but not so much wine preference.
Myth #2: Wines should be tasted from the lighter style to the stronger one
That’s what most wine appreciation classes will teach you or what winery staff will advise you. But is there a rationale for that? Discover how this false belief can mislead your tasting.
Read More about why wine samples should be randomized to minimize the sequence effect and be fair to the wines.
Myth #3: Different glasswares for different wine styles
A glass for white wine, a glass for reds, a flute for Champagne, a specially designed glass for icewine, for old Riesling, young Pinot Noir. How big should your glass cabinet be? Is it true or is it a false belief well orchestrated by marketing? <Read more> about the basic characteristics a wine glass should possess and how you can get away from buying another glass cabinet.
Myth #4: Wine tastes are perceived on specific areas of the tongue
A classic myth for sensory folks, the tongue map imagined by a German psycho-physicist in the early 1900s was so convenient for teaching students about sensory physiology, however it was quite inaccurate.
Read more about this error of translation that led a generation of students to learn the wrong stuff.
Myth #5: The more expensive the bottle, the better the wine quality
When we see the wine auctions going wild, that’s what we are tempted to think. Is it always true? No, let's get this myth busted!
Read More about how price affects consumers perceptions of wine quality.
You might like these
Effect of Music Choice on Wine Tasting Experience
Recent studies have shown how music choice can impact how we like a wine and appreciate its taste
What is Wine Mouthfeel?
Wine mouthfeel, includes complex sensations such as Wine Body, Astringency, Burning feeling, is triggered by different wine components. Learn more.
Gustation, the sense detecting the basic tastes
Gustation, or the sense of taste, enables the wine taster to assess the sweetness, sourness, bitterness, and saltiness (if any) in a wine
Home > Wine Tasting Basics > Wine Tasting Myths
