What is the difference between a horizontal and vertical wine tasting?

Joe Cillo of Cleveland Ohio asks “what is the difference between a horizontal and a vertical wine tasting?”. 

Well Joe I know that for someone like you a horizontal tasting is the portion of a tasting after you have had too much to taste. But for others a horizontal tasting compares wines from the same year but from multiple producers. For example at a horizontal tasting you may taste nothing but 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon from Bogle, Kunde, BV, Grgich Hills, and Joel Gott.  That way, in comparing the wines, you get a better understanding of the wine style of that particular producer, and you can then decide which producers match your taste.   
A vertical tasting involves wine from the same producer but from different years.  For example a vertical tasting may consist Ravenswood Zinfandel from 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012.  That way you get a better understanding of the each vintage in order to better understand the vintage that best fits your taste.

So Joe, hope that answers your question and helps you in better understanding wines that you will enjoy most. 


If you have a question or would like more information please post a comment or send an email to gasperthewineguy@gmail.com. 

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