Wine Tasting Tool for Rookies

The sense of smell is as important, or even more important, to the enjoyment of of the taste of food and wine as are the responses of the taste buds on our tongue. However I suffer from a somewhat uneducated or under-sensitive sense of smell. This has often caused me consternation and frustration. There have been times when I have wondered if I have a form of "olfactory blindness", similar to the color blindness that others suffer from. My sister says she cannot smell anything at all! Whether these are genetic or psychological issues, or some combination of the two, is unclear. However as someone who loves both food and wine, I have a strong interest in doing what I can to enhance whatever discernment I have in the area of scent perception.

Ann C. Noble understands my plight. As long ago as 1990 she created a remarkable tool called the Wine Aroma Wheel. This tool describes the aromas commonly associated with the variety of wines, further delineated into categories of red, white and sparkling wines. She suggests ways to train your nose by comparing odors from non-wine sources such as asparagus, cloves or honey (for white wines), or bell pepper and anise (for reds). Of course there is some overlap (vanilla) for all types of wine. She also includes a methodology for training your nose to discern "off" odors that indicate oxidation or cork spoilage.

Truly this is a great service to someone like me. Training my olfactory sense through wine appreciation will enhance my ability to appreciate not only wine but the whole sensory world that can be apprehended through my schnozz. And even if I do have some olfactory disabilities that are genetic, at least I can strengthen and enhance what sensibilities I do have.

And besides...who couldn't use another tool to pair great wine with great food?