Wine Term: Palate
Palate (noun): the tool which allows us to preceive the taste of wine, as it’s swished around in the mouth, letting the flavors settle where and how they will. Subjective and dependent upon each individual. It changes with time and experience (and sometimes mood).
Some people think they don’t have sophisticated enough palates, but really the most important thing is that they like what they drink, no matter the cost or prestige. A regular reader requested I address this subject, as she’s worried about the merit of her own. Now, I freely admit mine needs more fine tuning, but that’s because I write this blog.
Most have no need to feel inadequate, but if you do– read this article. What makes me feel less intimidated is The Red Wine Haiku Review. Lane Steinberg has over 200 wine reviews disguised as poetry. Some funny, others poignant, all inspiring. In fact, they led me to write this:
Tasting notes scare me
due to my humble palate.
Haikus give me hope.
….Farley Walker
palate, tasting wine, Red Wine Haiku Review
November 30th, 2006 at 7:14 am
Ha! Thanks, Farley
November 30th, 2006 at 10:06 pm
Ah Farley, the palate…..I find it is an ever changing mystery….and I am definitely one of those wine drinkers that LOVES wine but, unfortunately, most of the time, not brave enough to dare swirl, sniff and analyze! Oh my God, that would be too daunting….my secret is out….I tried an experiment tonight, I have a cold and decided to try my taste buds with a glass, well - guess I won’t be drinking wine with a cold again….I may aswell have been drinking a bloody colored wheatgrass cocktail..it was BAD! Thanks for your blog, it is nice to know that I am not alone, but I will say….I will continue to love wine and haikus have definitely given me hope!
December 1st, 2006 at 1:28 pm
Thanks for this post! Glad to know I am not alone.
December 16th, 2006 at 1:51 pm
[...] More Hope for the Palate December 16th, 2006 by Farley I’m a little obsessed with the ability (or lack of) to discern flavors in wine. Witness several previous posts including this previous post on palate. [...]
October 22nd, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Money is like manure; it’s not worth a thing unless it’s spread around encouraging young things to grow.