food-and-wine-pairing-a-sensory-experience-robert-harrington
food-and-wine-pairing-a-sensory-experience-robert-harrington
food-and-wine-pairing-a-sensory-experience-robert-harrington
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Chapter 7 Wine Texture Characteristics: Tannin, Oak, <strong>and</strong> Body<br />
c. Sample number 3. If you selected an oaked Chardonnay, you should notice a significant change in the color <strong>and</strong> aroma<br />
compared to the other two samples. Generally, the Pinot Noir will have some oak aging, but it will not be as pronounced in<br />
its aroma compared to an oaked Chardonnay. The unoaked Barbera will have moderate levels of tannin, alcohol, <strong>and</strong> body,<br />
similar to those of a New World Pinot (though tannin level can vary significantly depending on the fermentation <strong>and</strong> aging<br />
process). Whatever the <strong>wine</strong> choice, this group will be more powerful in tannin <strong>and</strong> body than the previous groups. Is the<br />
alcohol percentage higher than the earlier samples? Can you detect any differences in tannin or alcohol levels in this sample?<br />
How strong are these characteristics? What st<strong>and</strong>s out as dominant elements in this <strong>wine</strong>? Make notes about your observations.<br />
d. Sample number 4. All of the <strong>wine</strong>s in this group will be noticeably more substantial. Taste the difference in richness <strong>and</strong><br />
power in terms of body, higher tannins, <strong>and</strong> alcohol. All of the <strong>wine</strong>s in this group (Cabernet Franc, Zinf<strong>and</strong>el, Syrah, Merlot,<br />
<strong>and</strong> oaked Chianti) are of a richer color <strong>and</strong> weight. You should notice a significant change in the color <strong>and</strong> aroma as well.<br />
These <strong>wine</strong>s will have darker, richer colors <strong>and</strong> more substantial aromas. Whatever the <strong>wine</strong> choice, this group will be more<br />
powerful in tannin <strong>and</strong> body than the previous groups. Is the alcohol percentage higher than the earlier samples? If there is<br />
a difference, are the climate zones a factor? Can you detect any differences in tannin or alcohol levels in this sample? How<br />
strong are these characteristics?<br />
e. Sample number 5. The <strong>wine</strong>s in this group will be substantially higher in weight, body, <strong>and</strong> usually tannins. Typically, Cabernet<br />
is naturally dark (it can be almost inky in color) <strong>and</strong> full-bodied. Inspect the viscosity <strong>and</strong> smell the aroma. What st<strong>and</strong>s out<br />
as dominant elements in this <strong>wine</strong>? Taste <strong>and</strong> feel the difference in body. Is the puckery sensation greater than that of the<br />
<strong>wine</strong> from the previous group? If not, why not? Record your observations of its intensity <strong>and</strong> lingering effect on your mouth.<br />
6. Once you have evaluated the five <strong>wine</strong>s, go back <strong>and</strong> rank-order them on level of tannin, oak, alcohol, <strong>and</strong> overall body.<br />
a. Smooth to rough tannin. Rank the <strong>wine</strong>s from lowest to highest tannin levels. This is not always as straightforward as it<br />
might seem. The interaction of acidity <strong>and</strong> bitterness can alter our perception of tannin. Recall the palate mapping exercise<br />
in Chapter 2. Where did you identify the astringent sensation in your mouth? Try to separate the taste of acidity <strong>and</strong> bitterness<br />
from the mouthfeel of tannin. Visualize the fabric samples from smooth silk to rough burlap to assist you in this process.<br />
Lowest (smoothest) 1. 2.<br />
3. 4. 5. Highest (roughest)<br />
b. Oak. Rank the <strong>wine</strong>s from least oak to most oak. Many of the samples will have little or no oak. Rank them using your best<br />
judgment. Use the senses of sight, smell, <strong>and</strong> taste to identify oak level.<br />
No oak 1. 2. 3.<br />
4. 5. Most oak<br />
c. Alcohol. Rank the <strong>wine</strong>s from low alcohol to high alcohol. While the <strong>wine</strong> label provides an approximation of alcohol level,<br />
the alcohol content in the finished <strong>wine</strong> can be as much as 1.5 percent above or below the stated level. Focus on the initial<br />
perceived sweetness sensation on the tip of your tongue <strong>and</strong> the ‘‘hot’’ sensation throughout your mouth.<br />
Low alcohol 1. 2. 3.<br />
4. 5. Highest alcohol<br />
d. Body. Rank the <strong>wine</strong>s from lightest body to heaviest body. Inspect the viscosity <strong>and</strong> color for clues. How heavy does the body<br />
feel in your mouth? Think of the dairy product examples in Table 7.2—is the mouthfeel similar to skim milk, 2 percent milk,<br />
whole milk, half <strong>and</strong> half, or heavy cream?<br />
Lightest body 1. 2. 3.<br />
4. 5. Heaviest body<br />
7. Write any other comments, thoughts, <strong>and</strong> observations that you identified during this evaluation process. Were there other<br />
factors that impacted your perception of <strong>wine</strong> texture? Extract? Spiciness in the <strong>wine</strong>? Viscosity?