Compare two small pours, note the differences in ordinary language and taste them again with food before choosing a favourite.
Keep the comparison small
Two wines are enough for an interesting comparison. Choose a pair with something in common, such as the same grape from different places, and pour a small amount of each into similar glasses.
Keep water and plain bread nearby. Write the bottle names at the top of a page and leave a little space under each. A few words are enough to remember the comparison.
Notice before naming
Look at the colour, smell the wine, then take a small sip. Notice whether it feels light or full, fresh or soft, dry or sweet. A second taste often makes the differences clearer.
If a smell reminds you of apples, write apples. If all you notice is that one wine feels fresher, write that. There is no need to settle on a precise aroma before taking the next sip.
Try it with the meal
Taste again after a bite of food. Salt, richness and acidity can change which glass you prefer. This is one reason a wine that seems quiet on its own may make sense at the table.
Photograph the labels and keep them with your notes. Include what you ate and which wine you preferred with it. You can make a useful comparison without finishing either glass.
