I know, it’s actually two words but like most wine writers I use it as one word. It is a term I use often and is actually a shortened form of the term middle palate. Some writers probably think using mid-palate in describing a wine is going a bit over-the-top. It might be, but I really don’t care because I find it to be an important element in the wine drinking experience. So, how would I define “mid-palate”?
Mid-Palate: When drinking a wine, it is the flavor sensation you get between the initial hit in the mouth and the point when you swallow (or spit). This is an important part of the wine tasting experience. This is the part of tasting where the wine coats your taste bud sensations (sweet, sour, salty, bitter & umami). It is at this point that you get the most out of a wine if you are interested in analyzing it at all. It is a very important area for a wine critic in breaking down the flavors they taste in the wine itself.
If you are open at all to developing recognition of a mid-palate experience, you need to slow down a bit when drinking the wine. Another words, don’t slam down the glass of wine like a shot of whiskey. Take a moment to slosh the wine around in your mouth sucking some air through the liquid. Don’t give a f*#^ what people think, it’s your glass of wine. Think about what flavors you are tasting as the wine coats your taste buds. You can take as long as you want, and I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the results. When you actually swallow the wine you will no doubt notice that the flavors you recognized on the mid-palate will linger through the finish (if it is a well made wine of course). With just a little practice, you will soon find that it is just a normal part of your wine drinking experience and unless you have challenged taste buds, it will certainly enhance that experience.
Cheers! Stan The Wine Man
