How to Understand Your Taste in Wine: A Simple Guide

Many people say, “I don’t understand wine.”
But the truth is — you don’t have to.

Wine is not an exam. It’s not a competition in using sophisticated terms. It’s simply a drink that should bring pleasure. And the only truly important criterion is whether you enjoy it.

To understand your taste, you don’t need sommelier courses. You just need to ask yourself a few honest questions.

Light or Full-Bodied?

Close your eyes and think about the drinks you usually enjoy.
Do you prefer something light, refreshing, almost airy?
Or are you drawn to deep, rich, warming flavors?

• If you enjoy lightness and freshness, pay attention to white wines such as Kislov Sauvignon Blanc or the more structured Kislov Fumé Blanc.

• If you’re drawn to richer flavors, try aged red wines like Kislov Legacy (a Merlot & Cabernet blend aged for 12 months).

• If you’re looking for a classic red balance without excessive heaviness, consider Kislov Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot.

Fresh or Warm?

Some people love crisp acidity — when wine feels refreshing, like a cool breeze.
Others prefer softness and warmth.

• Love freshness? You might enjoy Kislov Rosé or Sauvignon Blanc.

• Prefer softness and roundness? Try Kislov Merlot — it’s typically more velvety and smooth.

• If you want structure and noticeable tannins, choose Kislov Cabernet Sauvignon.

Dry or a Hint of Sweetness?

Very often people say they don’t like dry wines, when in fact they simply don’t enjoy high acidity or strong tannins.

It’s important to understand:
dryness doesn’t mean “sour.” It simply means there is no residual sugar.

Try different styles and notice what exactly you don’t like:
the dryness? the acidity? the bitterness? or perhaps just the serving temperature?

Sometimes slightly chilling a red wine or allowing a white wine to warm up a bit can completely change your perception.

Fruit-Forward or Oak-Aged?

Do you prefer bright fruit aromas — berries, citrus, green apple?
Or are you more interested in notes of vanilla, spice, or chocolate that develop through oak aging?

If you enjoy vibrant fruitiness, choose younger wines.
If you appreciate depth and complexity, look for wines aged in oak barrels, such as Legacy or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Where Do People Usually Make Mistakes?

• Choosing wine based only on price: “more expensive means better.”

• Picking a bottle just because of the label design.

• Focusing only on the grape variety without considering style.

• Being afraid to admit they like a “simple” wine.

The biggest mistake is trying to match someone else’s taste instead of your own.

A Small Experiment

Buy three different bottles:

• a fresh white

• a rosé

• an aged red

Taste them in one evening (in moderate amounts), compare your impressions, and honestly ask yourself: which one would you happily finish?

That’s your taste.

If you’d like to make this experiment even more enjoyable, Kislov wines are available at Kislov Vinoteca.
You can now taste 3 Kislov wines before choosing your bottle — so your decision feels intentional, not accidental.

Wine is not about rules.
It’s about the moment.

And perhaps the best way to understand yourself is simply to open a bottle and listen to your own sensations. 🍷