Learning about the world of wine has been a lifelong journey for my husband and me. As wine enthusiasts, we're always discovering and exploring the complexities of wine (our wine sense is always growing!) Over the years, we have had the opportunity to visit wineries across California. Wine tasting and enjoying a glass of wine at home have always enhanced the many other fun parts of our lives, and I love to share a new wine and why I like it. 

Keep in mind, I have no expertise other than my own personal preferences. They have evolved over time, and that’s all part of the wine journey. We're certainly not expert wine aficionados or wine critics of any kind; we're just wine lovers who like to share bottles of wine together. While we're always judging wines for our own enjoyment, we still think of ourselves as wine novices because we're always trying new varietals and expanding our palates.

In this wine journal series, I'll share my perspective along with concise information on a recent bottle of wine I've enjoyed. I like to think of these passion journals as my own digital wine log book and an easy way to share my favorite wines, record wine tasting notes, and discuss wine labels I'm loving.

I hope you find my wine diary helpful and that you enjoy your own wine journeys, as we always do! 

Today's Wine Selection

Essential Details of Vintage/Basic Facts: This is a cuvée from Loire, France

Grape Variety: 100% Chenin Blanc

Flavor Wheel/Notes: Light, Dry

Wine's Appearance: Light golden color,

Aroma: Floral, especially rose

Wine's Unique Flavor: Pear, apple, green apple, citrus,

Body: Dominant pear and honey

Low Values of the Flavor: Hints of elderflower and earthy notes

Finish: Long finish, floral and fresh

Overall impression: On the sweeter side, this cuvee is light and easy to drink. A pleasant wine that can be enjoyed without food or even at lunch.

Useful Tasting Notes and Tips for Journaling Your Own Wine Notes:

Creating a personal journal of your own wine reviews is a great way to keep track of your favorite wines. You can do this in any format that works for you, whether it's in a convenient notebook format, pocket journal, or hard cover design. There are so many types of wine journals available to purchase, including custom journals, full size color cover guided journals, and handy pocket color mini size guided journals. Many journals have interactive fill-in pages to make it super easy. One of the most popular is the Wine Folley journal.

Here are the basic steps for tasting wine and recording your impressions:

Wine's Appearance:

Assess the wine's color, clarity, and viscosity by observing it in a well-lit environment against a white background.

Aroma:

Inhale the wine's aroma, noting any prominent scents such as citrus, stone fruit, floral notes, or hints of oak from aging.

Wine's Unique Flavor:

Start with a tiny amount of wine in your mouth. Take a sip and evaluate the wine's flavor profile, including its sweetness, acidity, tannins (if applicable), and any discernible fruit, herbal, or mineral notes.

Body:

Consider the wine's body, which refers to its weight and mouthfeel, ranging from light-bodied to full-bodied. 

Finish:

Pay attention to the wine's finish, or aftertaste, noting its length, complexity, and any lingering flavors.

Overall impression:

Summarize your overall impression of the wine, including its balance, complexity, and how well it pairs with food or stands alone.

Keep in mind that personal taste plays a significant role in wine reviews, so it's helpful to provide context about your preferences and experiences with similar wines. Additionally, consider the wine's price point and how it compares to others within the same category. With these considerations in mind, you can craft a comprehensive and informative review of any wine you encounter.