The difference between tasting notes and wine reviews
Introduction
When it comes to talking about wine, there are two terms that tend to get used interchangeably - tasting notes and wine reviews. While they may sound similar, they serve two different purposes and should not be confused with each other. In this article, we will explore the difference between tasting notes and wine reviews.
Tasting notes
Tasting notes are meant to be a description of the wine’s sensory experience. They typically include a rundown of the wine’s appearance, aroma, flavors, and mouthfeel. Tasting notes are often used by wine professionals and enthusiasts to keep track of their impressions of different wines, as well as to share their experiences with others.
A good tasting note should be objective and descriptive, avoiding personal opinions and judgments. For example, a tasting note might describe a wine’s color and clarity, the aromas of fruit, spices, and oak, the taste of the wine, and the texture of its tannins.
Tasting notes can also include details about the wine’s production, such as the grape variety, the location of the vineyard, and the process used to make the wine. However, these details should be secondary to the sensory experience of the wine.
Wine reviews
Wine reviews, on the other hand, are meant to provide an overall evaluation of a wine. They often include a rating or score, based on the reviewer’s subjective assessment of the wine’s quality. Wine reviews may also include tasting notes, but their primary focus is on the reviewer’s opinion of the wine.
Wine reviews are often written by professional wine critics and published in magazines, newspapers, and websites. They are meant to provide guidance to consumers who are looking to buy wine, by offering recommendations and assessments of different wines.
However, wine reviews should be approached with caution, as they can be influenced by the preferences and biases of the reviewer. What one reviewer considers to be a high-quality wine, another may disagree with. Wine reviews should be used as a starting point for exploration, rather than as the definitive word on a wine.
Conclusion
In summary, tasting notes and wine reviews serve different purposes in the world of wine. Tasting notes provide an objective and descriptive account of a wine’s sensory experience, while wine reviews offer a subjective assessment of a wine’s overall quality. Understanding the difference between these two terms can help wine enthusiasts and consumers make more informed decisions about the wines they buy and enjoy.