Exploring Regional Differences in Wine Tasting

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The new study (pdf) explores whether distinct groups of wine experts differ in their sensory and quality assessments of the same wines. Blind tastings were conducted with panels from two Canadian regions, the Okanagan Valley and Montreal, which have different socio-cultural and training backgrounds. The Okanagan panel included winemakers and winery employees with training in the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, while the Montreal group comprised sommeliers and wine journalists trained in a French-inspired approach.

The research found significant differences in how the panels evaluated certain sensory attributes such as vegetative, bitterness and balance. The Montreal panel rated sensory attributes higher overall, while the Okanagan panel was more influenced by New World winemaking traditions, showing a preference for specific wine styles, such as the Apothic Red (!), which was less favoured by the Montreal group.

Despite these differences, both panels largely agreed on overall wine quality, indicating that subjective preferences do not necessarily undermine consensus on quality. Practical implications include the importance of tailoring wine marketing strategies to regional preferences and cultural contexts. The findings highlight how localised expertise shapes sensory evaluations and consumer perceptions.