We understand that choosing the right wine for the right occasion can be overwhelming and frustrating. The confusion continues when wordy wine labels only describe sunsets and butterflies neglecting to reveal the actual taste of the wine. To further complicate things, wine critics' ratings dictate what you should like and impel you to buy wines according to their opinions. Now you no longer need to waste good earned money on disappointing bottles of wine. It's time for you to take control of your own senses and buy the wines that you enjoy. The two major tools that will appropriately find wines that you prefer are your own taste buds and the ViniCode™.
What is the ViniCode™
The ViniCode™ is a wine profiling system. We have eliminated the subjectivity found in wine reviews and have replaced it with objective information that allows consumers to determine which wines they like and why they like them. Before you buy wine, wouldn't it be nice to have an idea of what's in the bottle, just a simple description of the experience to come. The ViniCode™ deciphers all ambiguous wine language by defining the traits, flavors and styles of the wine. As your impartial companion, the ViniCode™ simply describes the wine allowing you to judge which types of wines you like best. Unlike wine critics who will try and lecture you on what you SHOULD like, the ViniCode™ gives you the ability to tell them what you DO like.
How the ViniCode™ works
The ViniCode™ has six sliding scales, each of which measures a different aspect of the wine's style. The scales range from 1 to 9, with 1 being the least intense. The scales in no way evaluate the quality of the wine, but rather describe the tastes that are found in a particular bottle of wine. As you taste more ViniCoded™ wines you can compare the scales and the patterns of different wine styles. Choose the wines that you like best and compare the scales of each component. What are the intensities of each ViniCoded™ characteristic? Does an obvious pattern emerge? With the ViniCode™, you can define what style of wine you prefer by comparing the scales and the patterns they create. The six ViniCode™ scales are clearly marked making your choice of wine uncomplicated, effortless and fun.
Dry to sweet
One of the easiest flavors to pick out in a wine is sweetness. The sweetness is the amount of sugar in the wine. You sense sweetness most acutely on the tip of your tongue. Here is a little vocabulary: the opposite of sweet is dry. In other words, a wine with very little sugar is called a dry wine.
Round to acidic
You might wonder, why on earth would anyone want an acidic wine? Think back to when you were a kid and nothing could quench your thirst like that glass of lemonade. It’s the mouthwatering acidity that quenches your thirst. Many acidic wines are at their best served with food. The acidity cleanses your palate and makes your mouth ready for the next bite. You sense acidity on the sides of your tongue as a tart bite. Round wines are sometimes described as rich and smooth. These wines are easy on the pallet and are considered great sippers.
Oak / toast
Most wines come in contact with oak at one point or another. This can add additional characteristics and nuances to the wine. Burning the oak releases the flavors of vanilla, caramel, popcorn or ash among others. Many people have a love/hate relationship with oak and toast in wine. This scale shows how much influence is in the bottle. If you like oak or wines with toasted tastes, look for a higher number on the ViniCode™ .
Fruit / floral
One of the real joys in learning about wine is discovering all of those incredible smells and tastes associated with the fruit and floral . This scale tells you about the fruit/floral aspects of the wine. Wines can taste tropical like pineapples and honeysuckle or dried like prunes and rose petals. Wine can also taste of violets, deep dark berries or have hints of citrus. The range is extraordinary. The higher the number, the more fruit and floral flavor unleashed onto your palate
Earth / spice
The flavor of a wine is influenced by the soil in which the grape is grown. The location, the soil type, the climate all fall under the term “terroir”. It's what gives a wine a sence of place. Earth/spice flavors include the taste and smell of spices, herbs, soil, leather, flint, chalk or mushrooms and can add a wonderful complexity to the wine.
Light to full
Wine has weight. Typically, the higher the alcohol content, the fuller the wine will feel. It's similar to the feeling of skim milk versus cream in your mouth. One feels light while the other feels heavy. Both white and red wines can be considered either light or full. Wines are considered “big” when they give your mouth that sensation of fullness.
