flyinglentris
Disabled and Retired Veteran
Wine ratings are a sort of generalized system that is to some extent, usable when trying to pick a good wine. But wine ratings are based upon classification by people, particular people, most precisely, wine critics and wine writers, and to another degree, tasters. So, we rely upon specific opinions of people who we are to believe, are good at identifying and classifying the quality of wines. And what a tough job that must be, given the many varieties of wines.
Wine tasters are a diverse group, tasters at wineries who try to guide wine makers and blenders in producing quality wines, wine tasters for buyers and retailers who want to stock quality wines and wine tasters at the table in restaurants (sommeliers) who try to present diners with quality wine at the table.
In the USA, wines are scored on a scale of 1 to 100, in Europe, 1 to 5. And it may depend upon the critic as well. My favorite Cabernet (Kendall-Jackson) seems to bear the critiques out with a score of 92.
In the stores, wine ratings are more trivial and meant to stimulate purchase, trying to describe flavor and sometimes the presentment of awards. But where does one find actual wine ratings? Certain publications, "The Wine Spectator", "Wine Enthusiast" and "Wine Advocate" can be found online as well as writings by critics. A good wine source may quote such ratings directly on their products, refer to Calvert Woodley 90+ Wines as an example. Not every wine source provides such ratings.
Oenology is the science of producing wine from what the vinticulturalists grow, harvest and provide in the form of grapes. Production of quality wines is an odd thing, to be sure, to be calling a science, but there you have it. The Oenologist has that purpose.
Wine tasters are a diverse group, tasters at wineries who try to guide wine makers and blenders in producing quality wines, wine tasters for buyers and retailers who want to stock quality wines and wine tasters at the table in restaurants (sommeliers) who try to present diners with quality wine at the table.
In the USA, wines are scored on a scale of 1 to 100, in Europe, 1 to 5. And it may depend upon the critic as well. My favorite Cabernet (Kendall-Jackson) seems to bear the critiques out with a score of 92.
In the stores, wine ratings are more trivial and meant to stimulate purchase, trying to describe flavor and sometimes the presentment of awards. But where does one find actual wine ratings? Certain publications, "The Wine Spectator", "Wine Enthusiast" and "Wine Advocate" can be found online as well as writings by critics. A good wine source may quote such ratings directly on their products, refer to Calvert Woodley 90+ Wines as an example. Not every wine source provides such ratings.
Oenology is the science of producing wine from what the vinticulturalists grow, harvest and provide in the form of grapes. Production of quality wines is an odd thing, to be sure, to be calling a science, but there you have it. The Oenologist has that purpose.