Vertical and horizontal tasting: What are they and how to distinguish them?

On many occasions, when we talk about wine tasting, it seems like we are simply referring to pouring a little into a glass and taking note of its characteristics. However, there are different types of tastings, the most well-known being vertical and horizontal tastings, which are carried out to assess the quality of each wine. Below, we explain what they are and why they are important.

What is a horizontal tasting?

A horizontal tasting involves sampling several wines from different wineries, all from the same vintage and within the same designation of origin. Additionally, they must be made from the same grape variety. The goal is to analyze how each wine has evolved and how the microclimate of each winery influences its flavor.

This type of tasting is often organized by regulatory councils to verify whether each wine meets the required standards. It also allows for an easy comparison of winemaking techniques and the detection of any unusual components that could directly affect the final product.

However, wineries themselves frequently organize these tastings to compare their wines with those produced by neighboring wineries. Horizontal tastings are conducted periodically, with each winery providing a sample from a specific vintage, directly from the vat or barrel. This type of tasting is also essential for bulk wine buyers who later bottle and sell the wine.

What is a vertical tasting?

A vertical tasting involves sampling different vintages of the same wine. By knowing the production year of each bottle, it becomes easier to understand how climate conditions have affected each barrel, vat, or cask over time. For example, if a tasting includes the 2005, 2006, and 2007 vintages of the same wine, the goal is to draw conclusions about how external factors influence the quality of each vintage.

While regulatory councils may request these tastings, they are more commonly organized by wineries to identify areas for improvement and achieve the best possible results. Additionally, wine researchers may conduct vertical tastings to establish connections between climatic conditions and winemaking outcomes.

It is important to note that these tastings do not focus primarily on discovering the wine’s flavor but on technical aspects. The reports generated from these tastings are highly detailed, thoroughly analyzing all the factors that have influenced the wine’s profile in each vintage. Special attention is given to how the wine evolves in the bottle and what adjustments in production methods may be necessary to enhance quality.

Why are these tastings essential?

Wine is not an artificially made product composed of chemicals. There is no formula to guarantee the same flavor every time. It is a natural, living beverage that constantly evolves.

Analyzing a specific vintage across multiple wineries helps determine the overall quality of that year’s wine and whether traditional winemaking techniques in a given region are being preserved.

On the other hand, a vertical tasting is more focused on the interests of an individual winery. A detailed analysis of a wine’s characteristics across different vintages is a valuable investment, helping to improve both production techniques and overall quality.

Traditional tasting

Also known as a hedonic tasting, this type of tasting is solely focused on discovering the sensory characteristics of a wine. It is typically the only type of tasting accessible to the general public.

In this case, wine is analyzed through three phases: visual, olfactory, and gustatory. These steps allow consumers to understand the wine’s organoleptic properties and overall quality.

Is this tasting useful for winemakers? Absolutely. It shifts the focus from technical aspects to presenting the wine to potential consumers, marking the final step in the process and recognizing the work of the winemaker and winery staff.

What is the goal of each type of tasting?

• In a horizontal tasting, the goal is to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
• In a vertical tasting, the focus is on achieving balance.

As mentioned earlier, a winemaker’s dream is to create a wine with a distinctive personality, a signature flavor that is easily recognizable. However, since achieving this can be challenging, the focus is often on creating balanced wines.

Numerous taste factors come into play in winemaking. Acidity, sweetness, and astringency are just a few, but the key is finding the perfect balance so that all flavors are perceived simultaneously, without one overpowering the others.

For this reason, sommeliers and wine experts are invited to vertical tastings—to gain a deeper understanding of how to achieve the best results in each bottle. Tastings are an invaluable tool for producing high-quality wines.

A pleasure in every glass

Now, you not only know more about these tastings but also about the immense effort winemakers put into offering a perfect product that evokes a range of sensations. The work is demanding, but the satisfaction is immense when a wine receives the highest praise.

Horizontal and vertical tastings are two rigorous tests that wine undergoes before reaching your glass. It is thanks to these processes that we can fully enjoy high-quality wine while sharing a meal with friends and family. Next time you open a bottle, you will surely appreciate even more the incredible work behind this natural product you are about to savor.