Horizontal Tasting vs. Vertical Tasting

Here are some key concepts to understand the difference between these two types of wine tastings.

Horizontal Tasting: Discovering an Appellation

If you attend a tasting where you sample several wines from the same appellation and vintage, you are participating in a horizontal tasting. Horizontal tasting involves comparing different wines from the same appellation. This type of tasting is organized to explore the characteristics of a specific terroir, its grape varieties, and vineyards.

Vertical Tasting: A Journey Through Vintages

In contrast to horizontal tasting, vertical tasting refers to sampling the same wine from the same appellation, estate, and grape varieties but from different vintages. The concept is to travel through time by comparing the evolution of the wine across various vintages, much like flipping through old photo albums with family or friends. This type of tasting is highly educational, helping you to distinguish between a young wine (with fruity aromas and pronounced tannins) and a more mature wine (with tertiary aromas and softened tannins). It also allows you to learn how to differentiate between a mediocre vintage, a good vintage, and an exceptional one.