How To Taste Experimental and Unusual Wines

Wine tasting is an art that combines sensory experiences with critical thinking. Traditionally, wine tasting has been a structured, almost ceremonial activity with certain established rules. However, as the wine industry continues to evolve, experimental and unusual wines have emerged. These wines often deviate from the conventional methods of production, challenging traditional ideas about flavor profiles, ingredients, and techniques.

For wine enthusiasts seeking to broaden their horizons, tasting experimental wines can be a thrilling journey. But how does one approach these unfamiliar, and sometimes eccentric, bottles of wine? In this article, we'll explore the techniques and mindset needed to taste experimental and unusual wines effectively.

What Makes a Wine "Experimental" or "Unusual"?

Before diving into how to taste experimental wines, it's essential to understand what qualifies a wine as "experimental" or "unusual." The term "experimental" refers to wines that are made using unconventional methods or ingredients, which may include:

• Unusual Grape Varieties: Wines made from lesser-known or rare grape varieties, such as those grown in new regions or experimental vineyards.
• Alternative Fermentation Methods: These might include natural fermentation processes, wild yeast strains, or aging in non-traditional containers like amphorae or concrete tanks.
• Cross-Breeding Grape Varieties: Some wineries are experimenting with hybrid grape varieties that are bred for specific characteristics or resilience to climate change.
• Unconventional Aging Techniques: Aging wines in materials that are not typically used in winemaking, such as glass, stainless steel, or even barrels with varying wood types or charred interiors.
• Non-traditional Ingredients: Some winemakers add herbs, spices, or even other fruits to create experimental flavors, straying far from traditional wine-making norms.

Unusual wines could also include those produced using rare techniques, like orange wines (white wines fermented with skins), or pet-nat (naturally sparkling wines). These styles defy the classic wine categories and are highly unique.

Why Taste Experimental Wines?

Tasting experimental wines opens up an opportunity to engage with new dimensions of the wine world. It provides several benefits:

1. Broadening Your Palate: When you step outside of your comfort zone, you challenge your senses and discover new flavors and aromas that might surprise and delight you.
2. Understanding Innovation in Winemaking: Experimental wines showcase the creativity and ingenuity of modern winemakers. Tasting these wines can give you insight into how the industry is evolving in response to climate change, technological advances, and consumer demands for more diversity in wine offerings.
3. Building Your Expertise: The more you taste, the more you sharpen your ability to identify flavors, textures, and aromas. Experimental wines often push the boundaries of what is considered "normal," giving you an edge in understanding complex wine characteristics.
4. Celebrating Diversity: Experimental wines represent a departure from mass-produced, standardized wine. They reflect the diversity of terroir, culture, and techniques that go into each bottle, making every sip a unique experience.

Preparing for an Experimental Wine Tasting

Unlike traditional wine tasting, where familiar wines often lead to easily recognizable flavors and aromas, tasting experimental wines requires a mindset of curiosity and openness. Here are some steps to ensure you are fully prepared for an unconventional tasting experience:

1. Create the Right Environment

Wine tasting is as much about the experience as it is about the wine. To immerse yourself in the tasting process, ensure the environment is conducive to concentration and enjoyment:

• Lighting: Use soft, natural lighting that doesn't distort the color of the wine.
• Glassware: Opt for tulip-shaped glasses, which help concentrate aromas and allow for better aeration.
• Temperature: Ensure the wines are served at the correct temperature. Many experimental wines may benefit from being slightly cooler or warmer than traditional reds or whites, so check the producer's recommendations.
• No Distractions: A quiet space free from distractions allows you to focus on the wine's details.

2. Prepare Your Mindset

Since experimental wines may present flavors or textures you're not used to, it's essential to approach them with an open mind. It's natural for the experience to feel unfamiliar or challenging, but remember that part of tasting experimental wines is embracing the unknown.

3. Study the Wine's Background

Before tasting a wine, take some time to learn about the winemaker, the grape variety, the production techniques, and the overall philosophy behind the wine. Understanding the context of a wine's creation can enhance your appreciation of its flavors and unique qualities. Pay attention to the following:

• Grape Variety: If it's a variety you've never tasted before, take a moment to look up its typical flavor profile and characteristics.
• Winemaking Techniques: If the wine has undergone non-traditional fermentation or aging, knowing this can help you anticipate the unique flavors you might encounter.
• Region and Terroir: The place where the wine is grown can have a significant impact on its character. If the wine is from a region with unique soil, weather patterns, or elevation, this could influence its taste.

The Tasting Process: Step-by-Step

When it comes to tasting experimental wines, the process remains largely the same as traditional wine tasting. However, there are some nuances to keep in mind. The following steps will guide you through the process:

1. Visual Inspection

Start by examining the wine's color and clarity. Although experimental wines may not always follow traditional wine standards, visual inspection remains a key step in tasting.

• Clarity: Experimental wines made with non-traditional techniques may have more sediment or cloudiness than usual. This could be due to natural winemaking methods or unfiltered wine.
• Color: Look for the depth and intensity of color. Orange wines, for example, have a distinctive amber or copper hue due to extended skin contact, which differentiates them from typical white wines.

2. Swirling and Aromas

Swirl the wine gently in the glass to release its aromas. Experimental wines may carry unique or unexpected smells, such as herbal notes, barnyard aromas (in natural wines), or even hints of spice or fruit that are out of the ordinary.

• First Impressions: What are the first scents that come to mind? Do they feel familiar or foreign?
• Complexity: Try to identify multiple layers of aromas. Some experimental wines may have very complex or volatile aromas, which reveal themselves gradually.
• Defects: It's worth noting that natural and experimental wines may sometimes exhibit characteristics that are considered flaws in traditional wines. If the wine smells like rotten eggs (from excessive sulfur), mustiness (from a corked bottle), or overly pungent aromas, it could be a sign of a flaw. But remember, these characteristics are not always negative in experimental wines.

3. Tasting the Wine

Now comes the moment of truth: tasting the wine. Take a small sip and let it roll over your tongue to experience its full texture and flavor.

• Initial Taste: What hits your palate first? Does it feel light or heavy, smooth or rough? Experimental wines may have a different mouthfeel compared to mainstream wines, so try to identify these unique characteristics.
• Balance: How well do the elements of the wine (acidity, tannin, sweetness, bitterness, and alcohol) harmonize? Some experimental wines might have less balanced profiles than traditional wines, but this can be part of their charm.
• Aftertaste: How does the wine linger after swallowing? Does it leave a clean, refreshing finish, or does it continue to evolve with new flavors? Wines made with unconventional methods may have unexpected aftertastes that linger longer than you might expect.

4. Evaluate the Experience

After tasting, take a moment to reflect on the overall experience. Does the wine feel exciting, challenging, or unusual? Did it surprise you in any way? Consider these factors:

• Uniqueness: Was this wine like anything you've tasted before?
• Quality: Does the wine meet your expectations for flavor, texture, and structure?
• Appreciation: Even if the wine was not something you would normally enjoy, did you appreciate its originality?

Dealing with the Challenge of Unfamiliar Flavors

Sometimes, experimental wines present flavors that are challenging or initially off-putting. This could be due to unusual fermentation, natural methods of production, or the use of unconventional ingredients. When you encounter flavors that don't fit the typical wine profile, consider the following:

• Give It Time: Let the wine breathe. Some experimental wines evolve significantly after being open for a few hours, revealing deeper complexity.
• Pair It: Experiment with food pairings. Unusual wines can sometimes shine when paired with the right dish, enhancing the wine's flavors or complementing its uniqueness.
• Stay Open-Minded: Remember that tasting experimental wines is an opportunity for growth. Even if a wine doesn't initially seem appealing, it might open your mind to new possibilities in the world of wine.

Conclusion

Tasting experimental and unusual wines is not just about discerning flavors but also about embracing the unknown. It is a journey that invites you to challenge your assumptions, expand your palate, and appreciate the artistry of winemakers who are pushing the boundaries of tradition. As you explore these wines, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the diverse techniques, philosophies, and innovations shaping the future of the wine world.

By following the steps outlined in this article, you can learn to appreciate the complexity and creativity that experimental wines offer. So, the next time you come across a bottle that seems a bit outside the ordinary, take a deep breath, dive in, and let the wine take you on an unforgettable journey.

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