Corkscrew Chronicles: The most efficient ways to learn about wine

Most of us have been severely challenged to find the simplest ways to increase our wine knowledge. Beth Maiden, a wine lover who had attended one of my past consumer tasting classes, asked for my opinion on the best way to approach the process. Knowing what to learn and where to turn are perhaps the most important factors about researching wine. Here are my suggestions: Purchase informational sources — Read wine books and purchase reference guides, to check terms and review information. Recommended authors/books: Jancis Robinson ("Guide to Wine Grapes" $14, "The Oxford Companion to Wine" $69) Oz Clark ("New Essential Wine Book" $25, "Grapes and Wines" $25) Michael Schuster (Simon & Schuster's "Beginner's Guide to Understanding Wine" $17, "Essential Winetasting," 2017 edition $22). Wine periodicals — The Wine Spectator www.winespectator.com, the Wine Enthusiast www.wineenthusiast.com and the Wine Advocate www.robertparker.com are balanced between reviews and information. There are many other sources, but these are accessible and reliable. Learn wine quality determinants — what they are, what they indicate and their significance: Typicity (typical of its origin, used to compare wines of one region to others made there and those of other origins) Color (of each wine style/winemaking technique (the expected depth, hue and intensity of each. Also check the wine's clarity) Aroma (varietal character of the grape(s), purity, intensity, cleanliness) Flavor (varietally accurate, focused, structured) Length/finish (how long flavor impressions linger, and complexity (numerous flavors) Research grape variety flavor/aromatic profiles — What does cabernet sauvignon smell and taste like when compared to malbec? Pinot noir? Merlot? Learn the information and then check each wine you taste, looking for those markers as quality indicators. Learn to interpret wine labels — They contain significant information about the wine in the bottle. Acquire a simple tasting process — Focus your mind, then proceed down your face. Look at the wine both directly down through the glass and as you tilt the bowl 45 degrees away from you, investigating clarity and graduations of color. Smell the aroma. Taste the flavors and note the time the nuances stay in your mouth after you swallow (length indicates either higher wine quality or maturity). Evaluate the wine against peer standards in various regions. It is also vital to learn to identify wine faults to return products in poor condition. Take notes — Record the wine name, vintage, origin, price and impressions in your own words. This gives you an evaluation structure and builds a taste memory. Write down what each wine looks like, smells like, tastes like and its length. Eventually you will take abbreviated notes listing only each wine's unique aspects. Taste often — There are numerous Ohio wineries within a short drive anywhere in the state. Visit, taste their products and talk with winery representatives. Retailers often offer casual tasting events. Restaurants do tastings and host wine dinners pairing wine and food. There are occasionally large public tasting events that offer the chance to evaluate a number of wines. Spit the wine into dump buckets at casual tastings and wineries and eat to help dilute any imbibed alcohol. Both are acceptable. Organize tastings with friends — Take turns hosting. Each participant brings a bottle of the tasting category/wine style and some wine-friendly food to share to maintain reasonable per-person costs. Take a wine class — You should find an enlightened instructor pleased to answer every question. Talk with knowledgeable people — Those consumers who know are usually happy to interact with enthusiastic beginners. Just persist until you find modest and willing wine lovers. Read this column and email me your questions. These suggestions are a solid start in acquiring the knowledge you desire. Gary Twining is a certified wine educator who worked 34 years in the wholesale fine wine industry. Email him at winingwithtwining@hotmail.com.