by Karim Sultan

Created on: January 28, 2009

The world of wine is an established and venerable institution. Making the leap from casual glass of undistinguished house wine to a budding connoisseur of fine vintages can seem like a daunting and unapproachable task. But fear not! Whether you're a neophyte to the varietals or an established vine hugger, this quick introduction will have you swirling your glass with the best of them.

Before You Uncork
Take a look at the label, and you will find more information than you may expect. The origin of the wine can often be simplified to Old World (France, Italy, Spain, etc) or New World (Australia, USA, Canada, etc). Some countries have specific zones or controlled regions as well. For example, France has approximately 300 "AOC" regions. Wine growers in these regions must meet strict criteria.

The Varietal is the type of grape. There are hundreds of grape varietals suitable for fermentation into wine, and each has its own distinct characteristics. Chardonnay grapes are known to be smooth and have apple undertones; while Malbec grapes are revered for their dark red color and rich tannic taste. There are also blends; most popular perhaps are Bordeaux wines, which are typically a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc grapes.

Vintage represents the production year of the wine. Not all vintages are alike; just because a wine is old doesn't mean it is good. Some growing years were better than others. The only way to be sure is to open the wine and taste it!

Characteristics of Wine
There are four main areas to consider when tasting wine. These are Color, Bouquet, Taste, and Finish. Some sommeliers (wine experts) like to take it a step further, and add Complexity.

Color
Wine color is not as simple as red or white. The hues and intensity play a role as well. Hold the glass up with a piece of white paper behind it. Note the color. For a red wine, dark colors hint at bold wine. Rich purples show a young wine, while darker brick and brown colors illustrate and aged wine. With white wines, age is not so readily displayed, but by studying the meniscus (the surface tension layer) nearest the side of the glass, one can check if it is watery of rich, demonstrating integration.

Bouquet
The bouquet of the wine (sometimes called the nose) is simply the smell. Place your nose on the edge of the glass and inhale deeply. You will be inundated with the aromas of the wine. The first few times you attempt this you may not be able to pick out different scents, or one scent overwhelms

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