Wine scores provide critics with a quick and effective method of communicating their impression regarding a wine’s quality. Wine scores are usually found beside notes at wine tastings. These scores are important for both casual buyers and collectors to determine which wines they should buy. These scores are important. However, if you are new to the wine world, understanding these scores and the different scales can be different. Here is what you need to know to understand wine scores and how they work.

Aggregate Score.

Wine searchers collect scores from numerous critics. Influential individuals and publications alike provide wine scores at various wine tastings. These scores are typically translated to the hundred-point scale. To calculate the aggregate score of a wine the weighted average is calculated. The hundred-point scale is not the only method to score wines, it is just the most common. Some critics use a twenty-point scale and some use a five-point scale.

The 100 Point Scale

This scale has become popular among wine enthusiast that scoreswinesTheone hundred point scoring system was designed to mimic the academic marking scales used to calculate high school grades. The hundred-point scale, regardless of the criticism it faces, continues to be used by an increasing number of critics every day. Wines with a score between fifty and seventy-four are not recommended by the critics that rated them. Seventy-five to seventy-nine means the wine is alright may have a few flavors. This score indicates that the wine does not stand apart from other wines. Eighty to eighty-four mines that the wine is well-made and that it is a good wine. Eighty-five to eight-nine indicates that there is something special about the wine. Ninety to ninety-four means that the wine is outstanding and is superior to other wines in some aspect. Ninety-five to a hundred means that the wine stands out and is a classic. This is what wine enthusiasts look for in a wine.

The 20 Point Scale

The twenty-point scale was created for the evaluation of wine specifically. This is an original scale that provides a point on the color, flavor, and aroma of the wine. The scale also looks at other qualities, such as acids, sugars, and tannins found with one of the wines. On this scale, a score of twelve or below indicates that the wine is unbalanced. Thirteen means that it's on the line between being faulty and tolerable. Fourteen means that it is drinkable but there is nothing really special about the wine. Fifteen indicates that the wine is good but average. Sixteen means that the wine slightly stands apart from other wines. Seventeen means the wine is superior to other wines. Eighteen and nineteen indicate the wine is between superior and exceptional; the rating indicates which side the wine is closer to. For example, an eighteen would be closer to superior to exceptional. A twenty means the wine is a masterpiece.

The 5 Point Scale

Stars or other symbols are used for the five-point scale rather than points. This scale isn’t used as often as the other scales. One means the wine is plain. Two stars mean that it isn’t quite a plan but not something you want to drink every day. Three stars mean it's good for drinking every day. Four is an excellent wine. Five is for wines that are superior to others.

The next time you are at a wine store or a wine tasting and notice the scores; now you will know the importance of the scores and what they mean about the quality of the wine you are looking to purchase.