Understanding Your Palate: Tasting Your First Truter Wines
- Celeste Truter
- May 2
- 3 min read
I still remember the first time Hugo and I really tasted wine - not just sipping and smiling, but pausing and paying attention. We were students, exploring a small vineyard in Stellenbosch. The winemaker, full of charisma, handed us each a glass and asked, “What do you feel in this wine?” I blinked. “Feel?” I’d never thought about wine that way. But that moment sparked a curiosity that never left me, and today, I want to share that journey of discovery with you.
Whether you’re sipping your first Sauvignon Blanc or exploring the differences between Shiraz and Pinotage, here’s a simple guide to tasting your first wines and discovering the flavours that speak to you.
Whether You’re a Beginner or a Connoisseur, Start with Curiosity
Your palate is uniquely yours, and there’s no right or wrong. One person’s “crisp” might be another’s “sour,” so let’s drop the pressure and just have fun. Think of wine like music: you don’t need to know all the notes to enjoy the rhythm.
Start with something bright and refreshing like our Sauvignon Blanc. It's zesty, with notes of passion fruit and citrus, perfect for a hot day or seafood dinner. Does it make you smile? Or squint? There’s no wrong answer here - just what speaks to you.
Understand Your Wine Palate with White Wines
Tasting wines side-by-side is a great way to understand your wine palate. Start with a lighter white like our Chenin Blanc, then try something richer like our wooded Grenache Blanc. Notice how one feels crisp and fresh, while the other is rounder and more complex. Which one draws you in more? And what food would you pair it with? Developing your wine palate is all about exploring these different styles and figuring out what excites you.
Tessa from Pretoria, shared, “I used to just grab any white wine. Now I look forward to tasting. I know what I like—and it feels empowering!”
Move into Reds with a Smooth Blend
Next, explore a red wine with a smooth blend like our Taste Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s approachable and comforting, with soft notes of blackberries and a touch of chocolate. If you’re new to red wines, this is a perfect starting point.
I have a soft spot for this blend - not just because we crafted it with care, but because I remember sharing a bottle with Hugo on a picnic in the Wellington mountains. Homemade olives, a view of the vineyards, and that moment of thinking, “We really made this.” It still makes me smile.
Explore Depth with a Bold Shiraz
Ready for a bolder wine? Try our Shiraz. It’s rich, peppery, and a little mysterious - perfect for your next palate adventure. Think of it like learning to love dark chocolate after years of enjoying milk chocolate. It’s a step towards exploring the deeper layers of flavour.
Try Something Unexpected - and See What You Discover
Lastly, choose something new - perhaps our Cap Classique, a sparkling wine that’s sure to delight. As you taste it, pay attention to the fine, velvety mousse that dances on your palate. The subtle biscuity notes from aging on the lees add an extra layer of complexity, making it a truly delightful wine to savour.
Curious to see which Truter wine becomes your favourite? Order all 6 and taste along with us—from crisp whites to bold reds, and a sparkling surprise.
Keep Tasting, Keep Learning - It’s Your Palate After All
Every sip brings you closer to understanding what delights you. Make mental notes like “fresh” - wines that taste light, crisp, and refreshing, like a juicy apple or cold lemonade - or “smooth,” wines that feel soft and velvety, like a plush texture. These simple observations help you tune in to what you love. This is your wine journey - make it yours.
If you’re a beginner, start slow, trust your instincts, and enjoy the process. You’ll be developing your wine palate in no time!
Curious to see which Truter wine becomes your favourite? Order all 6 and taste along with us—from crisp whites to bold reds, and a sparkling surprise.
Till next time.
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