Wine Tasting Notes: The Australian Way of Describing Wine

Understanding how to read and write wine tasting notes helps you better appreciate and remember the wines you enjoy. Australian wine professionals have developed their own distinctive way of describing wines, reflecting our unique terroir and wine culture. Let's explore how to understand and create wine tasting notes in the Australian context.

The Australian Approach to Wine Description

Our way of describing wine tends to be more direct and practical than the sometimes flowery European style. We focus on clear, relatable descriptions that connect with everyday experiences. This approach makes wine more accessible while maintaining professional standards.

Visual Assessment

When describing a wine's appearance, we consider:

Colour and Clarity

For red wines:

• Purple-crimson: Young Shiraz
• Ruby-garnet: Mature Cabernet
• Brick red: Aged wines

For white wines:

• Pale straw: Young Riesling
• Golden: Oaked Chardonnay
• Deep gold: Aged whites

Other Visual Aspects

We observe:

• Clarity (bright, clear, hazy)
• Viscosity (legs or tears on the glass)
• Depth of colour
• Rim variation

Aroma (Nose)

Australian wine professionals often reference local fruits and native plants in their descriptions:

Fruit Characters

Red wines might show:

• Blackberry
• Blood plum
• Mulberry
• Native pepperberry

White wines often display:

• Finger lime
• Desert lime
• Lemon myrtle
• Davidson plum

Native Australian References

Unique descriptors include:

• Eucalyptus
• Bush honey
• Wattle blossom
• Native mint

Palate Structure

We describe the wine's feel in the mouth using familiar references:

Body

Comparing to familiar drinks:

• Light as mineral water
• Medium like full-cream milk
• Full as thickened cream

Tannins

Described through texture:

• Fine as tea leaf
• Grippy as strong black tea
• Chunky as coffee grounds

Acidity

Referenced through citrus:

• Soft as mandarin
• Medium like orange
• High as native finger lime

Regional Character

Different Australian regions have their own flavour markers:

McLaren Vale

Common descriptors:

• Dark chocolate
• Black plum
• Sage
• Sea spray notes

Barossa Valley

Typical references:

• Black fruits
• Christmas cake
• Dark spices
• Rich earth

Writing Professional Tasting Notes

A structured approach to note-taking includes:

Essential Elements

1. Appearance
2. Nose
3. Palate
4. Structure
5. Finish
6. Overall impression

Technical Details

Include:

• Alcohol percentage
• Region
• Vintage
• Closure type

Consumer-Friendly Descriptions

Making wine accessible through:

Relatable Comparisons

Instead of writing "notes of cassis," try:

• "Smells like fresh blackberries"
• "Tastes like ripe plums"
• "Reminds me of Christmas spices"

Food Pairing Suggestions

Practical matches with local cuisine:

• Barbie favourites
• Seafood dishes
• Asian fusion
• Modern Australian

Advanced Tasting Vocabulary

Building your wine description skills:

Structure Terms

Understanding words like:

• Extract
• Phenolic ripeness
• Fruit weight
• Acid line

Winemaking Influences

Identifying:

• Oak treatment
• Malolactic fermentation
• Lees contact
• Whole bunch fermentation

Seasonal Variations

How vintage conditions affect descriptions:

Warm Years

Typical characteristics:

• Riper fruit notes
• Higher alcohol
• Fuller body
• Softer acidity

Cool Years

Common traits:

• More herbal notes
• Lower alcohol
• Higher acidity
• Lighter body

Practical Application

Tasting Strategy

1. Look at the wine
2. Smell without swirling
3. Swirl and smell again
4. Taste and assess structure
5. Consider the finish
6. Form overall impression

Note-Taking Tips

Effective methods:

• Use a consistent format
• Write immediately
• Compare with others
• Build a personal database

Visit Our many Cellar Doors in McLaren Vale

We encourage our McLaren Vale visitors to develop their tasting vocabulary through guided tastings. Tastings at local McLaren Vale cellar doors can help you understand the characteristics that make each wine unique and how to describe what you're experiencing.

Remember, there's no wrong way to describe wine as long as it helps you remember and communicate what you enjoy. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced taster, developing your descriptive skills enhances your wine appreciation journey.

Professional Development

For those interested in developing professional tasting skills:

Training Options

• WSET courses
• Wine Australia programs
• Regional masterclasses
• Professional tastings

Building Experience

• Join tasting groups
• Attend wine shows
• Create a tasting journal
• Participate in trade tastings

Wine description is both an art and a skill that improves with practice. The Australian way of describing wine combines technical accuracy with practical accessibility, making wine more approachable while maintaining professional standards.