Which Wines to Taste & Practice for Your Blind Tasting Exam?
Blind tasting for sommeliers or wine exams is a big challenge and a great way to learn about wine. This blog shares what I learned while preparing for my WSET and CMS Advanced exams. I'll talk about the wines that helped me the most, how I practiced tasting, and some handy tips. Whether you study for an exam or love wine, I hope my story helps you on your wine adventure.
Introduction to My Journey
My first encounter with blind tasting exams was in 2013 during a wine internship in the USA, where I took the WSET Advanced exam. It was a whole new world for me, diving into the depths of wine flavors and aromas without the guidance of a label. Later, I took the Certified Sommelier exam, which further challenged my tasting abilities.
The real turning point came in 2019 when I attended the Advanced Sommelier -CMS Course. Passing this exam on my second attempt was a testament to the growth and learning I had experienced over the years. It wasn't just about memorizing flavors or regions; it was about understanding the essence of each wine, its story, and its character.
I've learned so much along this journey and am eager to share it with you. This isn't just about passing exams; it's about embracing and understanding the world of wine. I'll break down my steps, the wines that were key to my studies, and how you can streamline your learning process. Hopefully, this will prepare you for your exams, save you time, and enrich your appreciation of wine.
Essential Grapes & Regions to Know
When preparing for blind tasting exams like those in WSET or CMS, focusing on classic wines is vital. These exams typically feature well-known wines that epitomize the standard characteristics of their regions. You're more likely to encounter a Chianti, Chablis, Napa Cabernet, Bordeaux, or Rioja than wines from less globally recognized regions like Greece, Portugal, or Uruguay.
Understanding the Classics
The journey begins with understanding what makes these classic wines special. Each classic wine, whether a robust Napa Cabernet or an elegant Chablis, tells the story of its origin. They carry the signature of their terroir, grape variety, and winemaking tradition. This is why they are chosen for exams; they represent the benchmarks of quality and style in the wine world.
My Comparison Approach
Comparing different wines was a key part of my study method. I often pit wines from similar regions or grape varieties against each other, like comparing a Bordeaux to a Rioja or a Medoc to a St. Emilion. Sometimes, I'd compare vastly different wines, like a Burgundy Pinot Noir with a Mendoza Malbec. This might sound odd, but it's a powerful way to understand the characteristics of each wine and develop a keen sense of contrast and similarity, which is crucial in blind tastings.
Here Are My Five Suggestions
List All Classic Wines: Start by creating a list of classic wines. This serves as your study guide, helping you to focus your efforts and ensure you cover all the key wines.
Develop a Tasting Plan for Each Wine: Allocate time to explore each wine on your list. Study its history, the region it comes from, and its typical flavor profiles. Tasting each wine will deepen your understanding and help you recognize its distinct qualities.
Master the Art of Comparison: Once you're familiar with the basics of each wine, begin comparing them. How does the terroir influence a Bordeaux compared to a Rioja? How are the tannins in a Medoc different from those in a St. Emilion? These comparisons help build a framework for understanding and distinguishing wines.
Regular Practice: The key to mastering wine tasting is consistent practice. The more you taste, the more refined your palate becomes. It's about building a sensory memory bank you can draw upon during exams.
Repetition is Crucial: Never underestimate the power of repetition. The more you revisit each wine, the more nuances you'll discover. This repeated exposure will make you confident and adept at identifying wines in a blind tasting.
Through these steps, you will be well-prepared for your exams and develop a profound appreciation for the art and science of winemaking. Each tasting session is an opportunity to learn and grow in your wine journey.
Tasting Techniques & Strategies
When developing your palate and honing your blind tasting skills for sommelier exams, the right approach and tools can make all the difference. Here's how I navigated this crucial part of my sommelier journey:
Expand Your Wine List
One of the first steps in my training was to broaden the range of classic wines I was familiar with. The more varieties you taste, the better equipped you'll be to identify different characteristics. This isn't just about quantity; it's about diversity. You'll develop a more nuanced palate by exposing yourself to a wide range of classic wines regularly.
Everyday Tasting
Consistency is key. I made it a point to taste wines every day. This regular practice is crucial in building and maintaining your tasting skills. Each session is an opportunity to refine your ability to identify and articulate the nuances in each wine.
Utilizing Tools: The Coravin System
A game-changer for me was using the Coravin system. This tool allows you to pour wine without removing the cork, preserving the wine for future tastings. It's an investment that pays off by allowing you to taste from the same bottle multiple times without worrying about it going bad. This means you can have a more diverse range of wines open for tasting anytime.
Here is an Amazon link to a Coravin model I recommend: Coravin on Amazon.
Please note this link is an affiliate link, and I may earn a commission if you decide to purchase. It's a tool I strongly suggest for any serious taster, as it can significantly enhance your tasting practice, both in terms of variety and budget.
Blind Tasting Practice with Your Team
Another technique that immensely helped me was organizing daily blind tastings with my assistant sommelier team. This practice not only tests your knowledge but also helps in building confidence in your tasting abilities. It's a fun, interactive way to learn and a great opportunity to discuss and compare notes.
Engaging with Suppliers for Wine Samples
Don't hesitate to contact suppliers for free-of-charge (FOC) wine samples, especially classic ones. This can give you a broader spectrum of wines without stretching your budget.
Remember, the goal is to build a strong, adaptable palate capable of discerning various flavors and aromas. The journey to becoming a proficient taster is as rewarding as it is challenging, and these strategies can be crucial to your success.
Practice Makes Perfect: My Routine
Consistent practice is the backbone of any sommelier's journey to mastery, especially in blind tasting. Here’s a glimpse into the routine that shaped my tasting skills and knowledge:
Attending Wine Events
I made it a point to attend as many wine events as possible. These events are a treasure trove of learning opportunities, offering exposure to a wide range of wines. I would request suppliers to invite me to their tasting events, which allowed me to taste various wines and understand their nuances.
Daily Tasting Schedule
My practice routine was intensive. I tasted wines in the morning and evening, making it a part of my daily schedule. This regular exposure was crucial in honing my palate. It's important to immerse yourself in the practice as much as possible, so tasting becomes second nature.
Focusing on Classic Wines
While variety is important, I primarily focused on classic wines. This not only aligned with the requirements of sommelier exams but also helped in developing a deep understanding of wine styles that are benchmarks in the industry. I invested in purchasing a variety of classic wines to ensure I had a comprehensive tasting experience.
Taking Notes
Note-taking was a vital part of my routine. Not only did it help me retain information, but it also allowed me to track my progress over time. I noted everything from the wine's appearance, nose, and palate to my impressions and conclusions. This practice of detailed documentation is invaluable for any sommelier in training.
Organizing Study Sessions
My study sessions were well-organized and structured. I set specific goals for each session, whether it was focusing on a particular region, grape variety, or wine style. This structured approach ensured that my practice was comprehensive and focused.
The Key: Consistency and Dedication
The bottom line is there's no shortcut to becoming proficient in wine tasting. It requires dedication, consistency, and a passion for learning. By immersing yourself in regular practice and focusing on classic wines, you build the foundation for success in sommelier exams and beyond.
Challenges & Overcoming Them
Blind tasting for sommelier exams isn't just about having a sharp palate; it's equally about having a solid foundation in wine theory. Here are some of the challenges I faced during my preparation and how I tackled them:
Integrating Theory with Tasting
One of the biggest challenges was linking my theoretical knowledge with the practical aspect of tasting. Understanding the climate of a region, the soil types, aging requirements, and winemaking styles is crucial. These elements profoundly influence the character of the wine. Without this knowledge, it's nearly impossible to excel in blind tasting. To overcome this, I spent considerable time studying wine theory, ensuring I comprehensively understood these aspects.
Trusting My Palate
Learning to trust my palate was another significant hurdle. In the beginning, it's common to second-guess your taste perceptions, especially when they don't align with what you expect based on theoretical knowledge. Overcoming this doubt was a matter of practice and confidence-building. The more I tasted and cross-referenced my perceptions with the actual characteristics of the wines, the more I trusted my palate.
Sourcing Wines
Sourcing various classic wines, especially from lesser-known regions, was sometimes challenging. This was particularly true for wines required for advanced levels of sommelier exams. I overcame this by building connections with wine suppliers, attending wine tastings, and sometimes collaborating with fellow wine enthusiasts to share and explore different wines.
Overcoming Doubts and Hesitation
There were moments of doubt and hesitation, especially when my tasting conclusions differed from the expected profiles. To navigate this, I learned to be open to the possibility of unexpected wine profiles and to trust the training and knowledge I had acquired.
Practice and Persistence
Ultimately, the key to overcoming these challenges was relentless practice and persistence. Combining theoretical knowledge with practical tasting, trusting my instincts, and being resourceful in sourcing wines were critical to my success in blind-tasting exams.
Final Thoughts & Advice for Aspiring Sommeliers
Reflecting on my journey, becoming a skilled sommelier is as challenging as rewarding. Here are my final thoughts and pieces of advice for those embarking on this exciting journey:
Embracing the Digital Age
We live in a time where resources are abundant, especially with the internet at our fingertips. Use this to your advantage. There's a wealth of information online, from detailed wine blogs to interactive learning platforms, that can greatly aid your studies.
Efficient Study Tools: Crossword Puzzles
I've created crossword puzzles for Level 1 and 2 sommelier students to make your theory study more efficient and engaging. I've found that crosswords are an amazing tool for learning. They make studying faster, and the information tends to stick longer. My book, which contains these puzzles, is designed to give you a significant advantage in learning the theoretical aspects of wine. This way, you can dedicate more time to the practical side of blind tasting.
My Book: A Tool for Faster Learning
I'm excited to share that my book, with its unique approach to learning wine theory, is available for download or paperback. You can easily download it or order a paperback copy, which we'll deliver within 3 weeks. This book will be a valuable asset in your wine studies, helping you quickly grasp and remember important concepts.
Stay Motivated and Persistent
Remember, becoming a sommelier requires patience, persistence, and passion. Stay motivated by setting clear goals, celebrating small victories, and constantly reminding yourself why you started this journey.
Seek Support and Community
Don't hesitate to seek support from the sommelier community. Join wine-tasting groups, participate in forums, and connect with fellow students and professionals. Learning from others' experiences and sharing your own can be incredibly enriching.
Enjoy the Journey
Lastly, enjoy every step of this journey. Each glass of wine is a story, a piece of art, and a learning opportunity. Embrace the challenges and let your passion for wine be the guiding light in your sommelier journey.
Conclusion
As you embark on the enriching path of becoming a sommelier, remember that the journey is as important as the destination. Embrace the wealth of resources available in our digital age, utilize engaging study tools like my crossword puzzle book for theory learning, and immerse yourself in the practical world of tasting.
Stay persistent, connected, and passionate. Every wine you taste every concept you learn, brings you a step closer to mastering this beautiful art. Enjoy each moment of discovery, and let your love for wine be your constant guide.
