Wine Tasting: Appearance
The main reason for looking at the appearance of a wine is to detect any faults such as whether the wine is too old, has been stored badly or the cork seal has failed. This can be done by examining the clarity of the wine. A wine which is out of condition would have a dull appearance or even a slightly brown hint (although this is not always a sign of a faulty wine as many wines become browner as they mature).
However, be careful as some wines which have not undergone any filtering treatment before bottling are naturally slightly hazy and can appear dull.
It is also important to note the colour and the intensity of a wine as these aspects can give you an idea of the age and origins of a wine.
| Wine | Youth | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Red Wines | Purple/Red | Orange/Brown |
| White Wines | Lemon/Green | Golden/Amber |
| Rosé Wines | Purply/Pink | Orange/Brown |
Bear in mind that as different wines change colour at different stages of maturity, it is hard to reach a definite conclusion about actual age by looking at the colour. Wine making techniques and region of origin will also contribute to the colour of a wine.