Wine Tasting and Cultural Symbolism
In certain communities, wine is more than a beverage: it represents identity and separateness in many ways. Wine can serve as a marker of sophistication, refinement and social status; mastery over wine-related knowledge is often seen as indicative of elite business success or middle class distinction. Furthermore, its consumption creates platforms for social bonding opportunities.
Wine’s history is long and complex. It has long been associated with religion in ancient Greece and Rome, where wine was often part of religious ceremonies. Later on during medieval times wine became used medicinally due to its natural antibacterial properties which made it especially valuable during periods when fresh water supplies were limited and disease was rampant.
As wine production and consumption evolved, its association with higher social classes increased. Wine was seen as a symbol of refinement and intellectual sophistication during the Renaissance; during 17th and 18th century grape hybridization allowed for an even wider variety of wines to be produced.
Sensory scientists use five criteria when evaluating wine quality: See, Sniff, Sip. When it comes to wine evaluation, sensory scientists employ five distinct criteria known as S’s: See (color intensity, hue and consistency); Sniff (aromatic compounds such as esters, phenolic acids and aldehydes); Sip – taste the wine’s sweetness, acidity, body, mouthfeel and finish.