2. Go around the table. This is my favorite method. It starts with one person describing the “sight” part of the wine so color and viscosity. The next person describes the nose of the wine. The next person describes the palate. The next person makes an initial conclusion listing all possible varietals and countries. The last person makes the final conclusion of varietal, country, region and vintage.
3. Tasting grids. This method works great for those studying for level 2 CMS. Print off the following tasting grids and everyone fills them out individually. In the actual exam, you have 30 minutes to call 4 wines which is approximately 7 minutes for each wine. So for this exercise, I set the timer for 7 minutes and everyone starts filling out the sheet for the first wine. Once the 7 minutes is up, discuss the wine with the group and reveal the wine. Then reset the timer for 7 more minutes and fill out the sheet for the next wine and so on.
Materials needed:
• Glasses: I picked up 24 affordable glasses from Ikea and store them in the boxes in a closet and I pull them out for the tasting group. They’re dishwasher safe and easy to clean.
• spit cups/spit bucket: of course this will depend on the goals of your group, but for my study groups we spit out the wine so we can stay focused.
• water and water cups: for cleansing the palate but also rinsing glasses in between wines
• white sheets of paper: if not tasting on a white surface , this is necessary to properly assess color
• wine key
• serviettes: for spillage. and drips
• extra brown bags
• grids if you chose this method
Click here for the white wine tasting grid
Click here for the red wine tasting grid
I am looking forward to hearing about your tasting groups and happy to answer any questions! Cheers!!
Love,
Cas- Certified Sommelier
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