They say wine is an acquired taste and distinguishing between different types of wines is a talent that can be cultivated over years of attending tastings and learning about the process of fermenting it as well. If you’re a complete novice, one of the best ways to understand different types is by learning how they are categorized. For instance, European wines are usually categorized on the basis of origin, such as Bordeaux, Chianti and Rioja, while non-European ones are generally named after the grape, such as Merlot or Pinot Noir. Similarly, vintage wines are named after grapes that were grown during a particular year.

A great way to learn them is to get in touch with proficient wine importers in Seychelles and sample the kinds of products they bring into the country. Whether you’re looking to open a restaurant, become a critic or, simply, pursue wine tasting as a hobby, these importers are the best people to speak to in order to learn as much as you can about it both, in terms of the quality and its origin.

If you’re planning to pursue wine tasting, here are a few steps that you must keep in mind while starting out:

• To begin with, you must observe the color of the wine by tilting the glass or holding it against a white background to see the shades of color ranging from the center to the edge. White wine tends to turn darker when aged while red wine turns into a slightly browner shade.

• While it may look a little pretentious, you must swirl glass after you’ve looked at this. This will help the wine  get a little more oxygenated which will, in turn, open up its aromas

• As you swirl the wine, you should take note of its viscosity. If it is thicker, it will be higher in alcohol.

• Wine tasting is a treat for all senses. Your next step is to smell it

• Finally, it’s down to the taste. When you taste it, don’t swallow your first sip immediately. Take a small sip and let it sit in your mouth and observe the different tastes that come with it. After you swallow, take note of the aftertaste as well.

• When you’re starting out, always keep a pen and paper with you so you can write down your observations. This will help you distinguish between wines more easily in the future and also appear more learned during a conversation about it

While the internet is a great tool, wine importers in Seychelles are people who have been importing this alcohol for years and can teach you a tremendous number of things just by relying on their experiences alone. They are also the best people to get in touch with if you are unsure about which ones to start with and what food groups to compliment your particular type of wine with.