Log In / Join Now

Wine Spectator School

Course: Understanding Wine

Class 3: International Varieties

summarize: finish, balance, complexity

 
Finish

Finish refers to the length of time the flavors linger in the mouth after swallowing or spitting. The longer the finish, the better the wine.

1. Swirl, sniff and swallow the Pinot Noir, paying attention to how long the flavors linger in your mouth.

2. Note your tasting checklist and repeat the process with your Merlot.

 

 
Balance

A red wine that is in balance feels smooth and pleasing to the palate -- not too "hard" from tannin and acidity, not too "soft" from sweetness and not too "hot" from alcohol.

1. Sip, swish and swallow your Pinot Noir, checking for excessive roughness, puckering or burning from too much tannin, acidity or alcohol.

2. Note the Pinot’s...

Ready to enroll?

First, you must register for a membership to WineSpectator.com. Your membership benefits include:
  • FREE enrollment in any course at Wine Spectator School
  • Over 230,000 searchable ratings and tasting notes
  • FREE mobile access so you can research wines wherever you are
  • E-newsletters with advance ratings
  • Editors’ blogs
  • Food and wine matching tool
  • And much more
START NOW!
Log In If You're Already a WineSpectator.com Member
Log Into WineSpectator.com
If you have questions about Wine Spectator School, please contact us.

Job Opportunity

Wine Spectator is hiring an assistant tasting coordinator at its New York office. Get more details.

Free Email Newsletters—Sign Up

Sips & Tips | Wine & Healthy Living
Video Theater | Collecting & Auctions
New! Ratings Flash | New! Unfiltered

» View samples
» Or sign up now!
» Manage my newsletter preferences

Classifieds

The marketplace for all your wine needs, including:

Wine Storage | Wine Clubs
Dining & Travel | Wine Auctions
Wine Shops | Wine Accessories

WineRatings+ app: Download now for 340,000+ ratings.