What My Palate Means To Me

You probably hear people talk about what they get “on the palate” when it comes to winetasting.  Just what does that mean? 

Palate (noun): Technically, the roof of the mouth that separates the oral cavity from the nasal cavity.  However, with wine appreciation, it’s more so the tool which allows us to preceive the taste of wine, as it’s swished around in the mouth, letting the flavors settle where and how they will. Subjective and dependent upon each individual. It varies, depending on experience, time of day, mood, and–many say– gender.

Some people think they don’t have sophisticated enough palates, but really the most important thing is that they like what they drink, no matter the cost or prestige. I’ve had readers and friends who have worried about their own, and I know I surely have.  But give it time.  I’ve freely admitted in the past that mine needs more fine tuning, especially because I write about wine.  However, I have gotten much more confident over the past couple years.  And so can you. 

What makes me feel less intimidated is The Red Wine Haiku Review–over 200 wine reviews disguised as poetry. Some funny, others poignant, all inspiring. In fact, they led me to write this:

Tasting notes scare me
due to my humble palate.
Haikus give me hope.