Wine tasting is an ancient art that has fascinated amateurs and experts alike throughout history. From ancient times to the present day, this practice has evolved and been refined, becoming a complete sensory experience that allows one to appreciate the subtleties and complexities of this iconic drink.
Let yourself be seduced by the mystery and elegance of wine as we discover together the secrets behind each bottle!
Origins of wine tasting
Wine tasting has its roots in Mediterranean culture, where wine was an integral part of everyday life and was considered a gift from the gods. The ancient Greeks and Romans held symposia and banquets where wine was served in abundance, and was appreciated both for its taste and its ability to stimulate conversation and thought.
Over time, wine tasting became a formal practice, especially in the wine regions of Europe, where producers and consumers sought to evaluate the quality and characteristics of wines more accurately.
The 4 fundamentals of wine tasting
Wine tasting involves using the senses of sight, smell, taste and touch to evaluate and appreciate a wine in all its dimensions.
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Visual observation
Start by looking at the wine in the glass. Look at its color, brightness and clarity. What shades can be seen? A red wine can range from a bright ruby red to a deep purple, while a white could have hues ranging from straw yellow to deep gold.
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Olfactory analysis
Bring the glass to your nose and inhale gently. What aromas can you detect? You might discover fruity notes such as cherry, plum or citrus in a red wine, or floral and herbaceous notes in a white wine.
You can also notice aromas of wood, vanilla or spices, which come from barrel aging. This step is crucial to understanding the aromatic complexities of the wine.
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taste evaluation
Take a sip of wine and allow it to wash over your palate. Notice the primary, secondary and tertiary flavors you perceive. Consider acidity, body, tannins (in the case of red wines) and freshness (in white wines).
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Finalization
After swallowing the wine or spitting it out (in the case of a professional tasting), evaluate the persistence of the flavor on your palate. How long do the flavors linger on your palate after you swallow the wine? Quality wines usually have a long and pleasant aftertaste.
Do your Wine Tasting with This is Med
At This is Med we offer a wide variety of activities for both companies and groups that combine experiences at sea with other extraordinary elements.
One of our favourite activities is the Underwater Eco Tasting, in which we invite you on a sensorial journey through the fascinating world of underwater wines aged under the sea. Accompanied by a professional sommelier, we will explore together the depths of this innovative preservation technique, comparing the differences between wines aged on land and those matured in the marine environment.
Our experts will guide you on a journey to the underwater wineries in Barcelona, where wine is not only preserved, but also contributes to the birth of a unique marine ecosystem. These underwater wineries have become sanctuaries that promote biodiversity and offer a refuge for different marine species.
We also have another activity called “Carpe Vinum” in which we will begin with an exciting boat tour along the coast, enjoying together the impressive panoramic views of the sea and the city of Barcelona. After an hour of navigation, we will arrive at the charming coastal town of El Masnou, where a private transport will be waiting for us to take us to an ecological winery located in an idyllic natural environment, with views of the infinite blue of the Mediterranean.
At the winery, an expert sommelier will guide us to explore the vineyards and facilities, discovering together the fascinating production process of organic wines and cavas. This family-owned winery masterfully combines tradition and innovation to create unique flavors that reflect the authentic essence of the region.
The experience will culminate with an exclusive tasting of carefully selected wines and cavas, in an environment that fuses the beauty of the vineyards with the splendor of the Mediterranean Sea.
How to improve wine tasting skills?
Wine tasting is an art that is perfected with practice and experience . As you become more familiar with different grape varieties, wine regions, and wine styles, you will develop a greater sensitivity to detecting nuances and subtle differences between them.
Here are some tips to improve your tasting skills:
- Participate in guided tastings: Join guided tastings led by expert winemakers or sommeliers, who can provide you with valuable information about the wines you are tasting and guide you through the tasting process. You can also take a wine tasting with us while cruising the Mediterranean Sea.
- Try a variety of wines: Experiment with different grape varieties (such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and more), as well as wines from different wine regions and winemaking styles.
- Keep a tasting notebook: Keep a record of your tasting experiences, including your impressions of the color, aroma, flavor and texture of each wine. This will help you develop your own vocabulary and track your progress over time.
- Pay attention to pairing: experience how the flavors of the wine interact with different foods. Try classic pairings and discover new combinations that bring out the best in both.
Wine tasting is much more than just drinking wine; It is a sensory experience that involves all the senses and allows us to connect with the rich history and wine culture of the world.
Come aboard our exclusive catamaran and let yourself be carried away by the magic of the sea while you enjoy spectacular vie…
Come aboard our exclusive catamaran and let yourself be carried away by the magic of the sea while you enjoy spectacular views, moments of fun and an incredible feeling of freedom with a drink in your hands.
The experience begins in the exclusive port of Marina Vela, right next to the renowned W hotel and Barceloneta beach. Upon arrival, the crew will welcome you on board with music, a courtesy drink and a typical local tapa to start the experience in a Mediterranean style. Discover all the areas of the catamaran and make yourself comfortable where you prefer. You can sit in the shaded aft seats to feel the sea breeze, or lie on the forward nets in the sun to tan and be closer to the sea. You will leave land to set sail out to sea for 2 hours.
If you have selected the daytime option, the boat will make a 30-minute stop to take a dip with inflatables in the blue waters of the Mediterranean. If you have selected the sunset option, you will have the opportunity to admire the fantastic sunset over the Barcelona skyline.
The catamaran has enough space to accommodate a small group of only 30 people with its captain and sailor in a spacious and comfortable way. It is also a fully equipped boat and one of the most stable.
The Catamaran Experience
Sail along the coast of Barcelona and enjoy a swim during the day or at sunset.
Come aboard our exclusive catamaran and let yourself be carried away by the magic of the sea while you enjoy spectacular views, moments of fun and an…
The Catamaran Experience
Sail along the coast of Barcelona and enjoy a swim during the day or at sunset.
Come aboard our exclusive catamaran and let yourself be carried away by the magic of the sea while you enjoy spectacular views, moments of fun and an incredible feeling of freedom with a drink in your hands.
The experience begins in the exclusive port of Marina Vela, right next to the renowned W hotel and Barceloneta beach. Upon arrival, the crew will welcome you on board with music, a courtesy drink and a typical local tapa to start the experience in a Mediterranean style. Discover all the areas of the catamaran and make yourself comfortable where you prefer. You can sit in the shaded aft seats to feel the sea breeze, or lie on the forward nets in the sun to tan and be closer to the sea. You will leave land to set sail out to sea for 2 hours.
If you have selected the daytime option, the boat will make a 30-minute stop to take a dip with inflatables in the blue waters of the Mediterranean. If you have selected the sunset option, you will have the opportunity to admire the fantastic sunset over the Barcelona skyline.
The catamaran has enough space to accommodate a small group of only 30 people with its captain and sailor in a spacious and comfortable way. It is also a fully equipped boat and one of the most stable.
Come aboard our exclusive catamaran and let yourself be carried away by the magic of the sea while enjoying spectacular view…
Come aboard our exclusive catamaran and let yourself be carried away by the magic of the sea while enjoying spectacular views, sailing through the America's Cup racecourse.
The experience begins at the exclusive Marina Vela port, right where the base of the Italian team, Luna Rossa, is located. Upon arrival, the crew will welcome you on board with music, a complimentary drink of your choice, and a typical local tapa to kick off the experience in true Mediterranean style. Explore all areas of the catamaran and get comfortable wherever you prefer. You can sit in the shaded aft seats to feel the sea breeze or lie down on the sunny fore nets to sunbathe and be closer to the sea.
You'll leave the land behind to set sail out to sea for 2 hours, from 13h30 to 15h30. We'll pass by the racecourse, and if you're lucky, you might encounter some of the AC37 boats as we'll be sailing at the same time as their practices!
Once the captain gives the order, the boat will make a 30-minute stop for you to take a dip with inflatables in the blue waters of the Mediterranean. The catamaran has enough space to comfortably accommodate a small group of just 30 people alongside its crew. Additionally, it is a fully equipped and one of the most stable vessels.
The catamaran has enough space to accommodate a small group of only 30 people with its captain and sailor in a spacious and comfortable way. It is also a fully equipped boat and one of the most stable.
AC37: Practice Days
Sail along the coast of Barcelona and enjoy a swim during the day or at sunset.
Come aboard our exclusive catamaran and let yourself be carried away by the magic of the sea while enjoying spectacular views, sailing through the Am…
AC37: Practice Days
Sail along the coast of Barcelona and enjoy a swim during the day or at sunset.
Come aboard our exclusive catamaran and let yourself be carried away by the magic of the sea while enjoying spectacular views, sailing through the America's Cup racecourse.
The experience begins at the exclusive Marina Vela port, right where the base of the Italian team, Luna Rossa, is located. Upon arrival, the crew will welcome you on board with music, a complimentary drink of your choice, and a typical local tapa to kick off the experience in true Mediterranean style. Explore all areas of the catamaran and get comfortable wherever you prefer. You can sit in the shaded aft seats to feel the sea breeze or lie down on the sunny fore nets to sunbathe and be closer to the sea.
You'll leave the land behind to set sail out to sea for 2 hours, from 13h30 to 15h30. We'll pass by the racecourse, and if you're lucky, you might encounter some of the AC37 boats as we'll be sailing at the same time as their practices!
Once the captain gives the order, the boat will make a 30-minute stop for you to take a dip with inflatables in the blue waters of the Mediterranean. The catamaran has enough space to comfortably accommodate a small group of just 30 people alongside its crew. Additionally, it is a fully equipped and one of the most stable vessels.
The catamaran has enough space to accommodate a small group of only 30 people with its captain and sailor in a spacious and comfortable way. It is also a fully equipped boat and one of the most stable.
Experience luxury at its finest during the Copa America with our CATAMARAN PACK aboard our Eco Sail. This catamaran, with a …
Experience luxury at its finest during the Copa America with our CATAMARAN PACK aboard our Eco Sail. This catamaran, with a capacity for up to 150 people, awaits you and its crew at Port Vell to embark and begin the experience of watching the regatta like a true VIP.
This is a shared sailing to watch the competition with exclusive front-row views. Choose your seat, and get comfortable to enjoy the spectacle while indulging in top-tier catering service provided by the prestigious official restaurant of the Copa America, Vraba.
Additionally, our onboard open bar service ensures that your experience is unparalleled. If you wish to watch the regatta while sunbathing, you can relax on the forward nets or on the rooftop with 360-degree views. However, when you seek some shade, you can follow the event from the boat's covered lounge while enjoying a refreshing cocktail at the indoor bar. Furthermore, to ensure you don't miss any details, Eco Sail features live TV transmission from the official AC37 channel.
Eco Sail is named the largest hybrid eco-friendly sailing catamaran for passengers in Europe. We guarantee not only an exceptional experience but also a commitment to sustainability and environmental respect.
Reserve your spot now and get ready to experience the excitement of the 2024 Copa America from a unique and privileged perspective!
AC37 - TICKETING - ECO SAIL
See the America´s Cup competiiton in front-row aboard Eco Sail
Experience luxury at its finest during the Copa America with our CATAMARAN PACK aboard our Eco Sail. This catamaran, with a capacity for up to 150 pe…
AC37 - TICKETING - ECO SAIL
See the America´s Cup competiiton in front-row aboard Eco Sail
Experience luxury at its finest during the Copa America with our CATAMARAN PACK aboard our Eco Sail. This catamaran, with a capacity for up to 150 people, awaits you and its crew at Port Vell to embark and begin the experience of watching the regatta like a true VIP.
This is a shared sailing to watch the competition with exclusive front-row views. Choose your seat, and get comfortable to enjoy the spectacle while indulging in top-tier catering service provided by the prestigious official restaurant of the Copa America, Vraba.
Additionally, our onboard open bar service ensures that your experience is unparalleled. If you wish to watch the regatta while sunbathing, you can relax on the forward nets or on the rooftop with 360-degree views. However, when you seek some shade, you can follow the event from the boat's covered lounge while enjoying a refreshing cocktail at the indoor bar. Furthermore, to ensure you don't miss any details, Eco Sail features live TV transmission from the official AC37 channel.
Eco Sail is named the largest hybrid eco-friendly sailing catamaran for passengers in Europe. We guarantee not only an exceptional experience but also a commitment to sustainability and environmental respect.
Reserve your spot now and get ready to experience the excitement of the 2024 Copa America from a unique and privileged perspective!
Experience luxury at its finest during The America's Cup with our PREMIUM PACK aboard our BIG FISH. This luxurious catamaran…
Experience luxury at its finest during The America's Cup with our PREMIUM PACK aboard our BIG FISH. This luxurious catamaran with capacity for up to 30 people, awaits you and its crew, at Marina Vela Barcelona, to embark and begin the experience of watching the regatta as a true VIP.
It is a shared sailing to watch the competition with exclusive views from the front-row. Choose your spot, and get comfortable to enjoy the show while you delight in a top-level catering service provided by the prestigious official restaurant of the America's Cup, Vraba.
In addition, our open bar service on board ensures that your experience is unmatched. If you want to watch the regatta while sunbathing, you can relax in the bow nets, however when you want a little shade, you can follow it from the boat's covered chill out. Also, so as not to miss any details, BIG FISH has direct transmission on TV from the official AC37 channel.
Book your place now and get ready to experience the excitement of the Copa América 2024 from a unique and privileged perspective!
INCLUDES:
- Exclusive front-Row view of the competition
- Open Bar (water, soft drinks, beer, white wine and cava)
- Official A.C. Catering Vraba Restaurant (Gourmet Menu and waiters)
- Streaming (TV facilities and sound system stereo)
- Professional Crew, Fuel and insurance
AC37 - TICKETING - BIG FISH
See the America´s Cup competiiton in front-row aboard BIG FISH
Experience luxury at its finest during The America's Cup with our PREMIUM PACK aboard our BIG FISH. This luxurious catamaran with capacity for up to …
AC37 - TICKETING - BIG FISH
See the America´s Cup competiiton in front-row aboard BIG FISH
Experience luxury at its finest during The America's Cup with our PREMIUM PACK aboard our BIG FISH. This luxurious catamaran with capacity for up to 30 people, awaits you and its crew, at Marina Vela Barcelona, to embark and begin the experience of watching the regatta as a true VIP.
It is a shared sailing to watch the competition with exclusive views from the front-row. Choose your spot, and get comfortable to enjoy the show while you delight in a top-level catering service provided by the prestigious official restaurant of the America's Cup, Vraba.
In addition, our open bar service on board ensures that your experience is unmatched. If you want to watch the regatta while sunbathing, you can relax in the bow nets, however when you want a little shade, you can follow it from the boat's covered chill out. Also, so as not to miss any details, BIG FISH has direct transmission on TV from the official AC37 channel.
Book your place now and get ready to experience the excitement of the Copa América 2024 from a unique and privileged perspective!
INCLUDES:
- Exclusive front-Row view of the competition
- Open Bar (water, soft drinks, beer, white wine and cava)
- Official A.C. Catering Vraba Restaurant (Gourmet Menu and waiters)
- Streaming (TV facilities and sound system stereo)
- Professional Crew, Fuel and insurance