Wine tasting can be an intimidating experience. But with this approach, you can be sure to look like a pro and capture enough detail in your Chardonnay tasting notes to actually remember the wines you tasted!
First step in your Chardonnay tasting is to gently swirl the wine in your glass. Then, hold up to your nose and take a series of short sniffs. This is much more effective than single long sniff.
Once you’ve taken the first whiff of wine, you’re ready to start your Chardonnay tasting notes. Start off by listing three columns in your notes:
Primary Aromas and Flavors – These are the aromas and flavors that originate from the Chardonnay grapes and the terroir in which they were grown. Chardonnay tasting notes often include fruit flavors such as green apple, pears, pineapple, kiwis, or citrus fruits.
Secondary Aromas and Flavors – These are the aromas and flavors that are a result of the wine production process. Many Chardonnay wines produced in the United States go through a secondary fermentation process called malolactic fermentation, which gives the wines their classic buttery chardonnay taste. This may result in flavors like butter, caramel, butterscotch, or even creamy cheeses. If you’re a fan of this style, check out our recommended buttery Chardonnays.
Tertiary Aromas and Flavors – These are the aromas and flavors that result from the aging process, which may occur in stainless steel tanks, oak barrels, or in the wine bottles themselves. Chardonnay tasting notes often include aromas such as oak, nutmeg, and vanilla.
Go ahead and take note of any initial aromas. Then you can proceed with tasting the wine. Pause after the initial sip and make note of the flavors. Then take three full sips of wine to fully acclimate your mouth and tastebuds, and note any additional flavors that come through.
Take note of these additional qualities of the wine:
Body – How does the Chardonnay feel in your mouth? Is the texture of the wine thin like skim milk or thick like whole milk? Chardonnay may reflect a wide range of styles. Some will be rich and thick, while some will be thin and refreshing. Mark this down in your Chardonnay tasting notes.
Acidity – Acidic wines will have a tart taste, similar to citrus fruit like lemon or lime. If you’re mouth is tingly, you probably are tasting an acidic wine. Write that down as well.
Tannins – Tannin are one of the more difficult concepts for new wine tasters to grasp. Tannins give wine structure and form, but also have a bitter, astringent quality. So it’s critical that tannins remain balanced. An overly tannic wine will make you lips pucker. Chardonnay is not typically a wine with high tannins, but it is possible to add a tannic quality from the oak in which it is aged. Watch this video on wine tasting basics for a better understanding of tannins, finish, and other wine characteristics.
Finish – Finish is the impact of the wine a few moments after you’ve taken your sip, and is important to capture in your Chardonnay tasting notes. A great way to “taste” the finish is to simply take your sip of wine, swallow, and a moment later take in a deep breath through your nose with your mouth closed. What do you feel/taste/smell? A wine with a “long finish” will leave an impression for several seconds after tasting, while a wine with a “short finish” will dissipate almost immediately after you swallow. Wines that leave you with a creamy, buttery feeling may be described as having a “soft finish”, while wines that are more acidic and juicy may be described as having a “fresh finish”. Take note of the Chardonnay’s finish.
Don’t be afraid to be overly descriptive with your Chardonnay tasting notes. Use lots of adjectives! Green apples and baked apples are two very different flavors, and both are more descriptive than just writing down “apples”. And be sure to take note of seemingly wacky flavors. Nothing is too weird in wine tasting. If the wine smells like a wet dog – write that down. The more descriptive your notes- the better you will be able to remember the taste and experience of each wine. For even more Chardonnay knowledge, check out this quick Chardonnay overview.