COMMON QUESTIONS

    

 HOW ARE WINES JUDGED?

        This competition uses a 20-point scale to evaluate each wine. 
        Points are scored for color, clarity, aroma, bouquet, balance,
        bitterness, astringency, general quality and tasting true to type.
        Wines garnering 18 or more points receive a Gold Medal.  Those
        between 16 and 18 points merit a Silver Medals and those between
       13 and 16 points are given a Bronze Medal.

       Wines receiving Gold Medals are forwarded for "Best of Show"
       judging at the annual conference.  The same scale is used as in the  
      preliminary judging.  There are six Best of Show Awards:
                                              Grand Champion (overall best wine in competition)
                                             Red Wine (includes all red vinifera, native & hybrid, blush & rose wines)
                                            White Wine (includes all white vinifera, native & hybrid wines)
                                            Country Wine (includes all fruit & berry wines)
                                            Specialty Wine (includes all specialty & novelty wines)
                                           Concentrate/Kit (best wine made from a kit with no added/other ingredients)

HOW IS THE COMPETITION CONDUCTED?

The judges are divided into panels of 3 or 5.  Each panel is assigned specific wine categories to judge.  A category may have 1 entry or 50 entries.  Generally, all white wines and sparkling wines are judged in the morning, and red and dessert wines are judged in the afternoon.  When a category contains more than 10 wines, it is usually broken up into several flights or small groups.  The wines are opened and poured immediately prior to being served to the judges.  Each wine has been given a unique number and is poured into a separate glass marked with that identifying number.  Judges score the wines independently and then discuss and agree on any medals awarded.  This is a blind judging, meaning the judges do not see the bottle, only the numbered glass.

WHY DO THE JUDGES SPIT THE WINE OUT INSTEAD OF DRINKING IT?

Judging 90 wines per day would be very taxing on the judges' palates and stamina if they were to drink each wine served to them in a day.  So, the judges take a small amount of wine in their mouth, swish it around, swallow a small amount and spit the rest out.  This technique allows the judges to work through a large volume of wines in a day.  They take frequent breaks, drink water and eat plain crackers to help keep their palates frest throughout the day.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A WINE JUDGE?

It's possible to become a wine judge through many avenues.  Primarily it requires a trained sense of taste, an extensive appreciation for, and knowledge of, wines and wine styles from around the world.  This may be acquired through training, such as a winemaker, a wine retailer, or a wine educator receives.  It also may develop as a result of a passion for wine.  Many judges are certified through an education and testing process.
                                                                          

   

 

 

                               TO YOUR  HEALTH!