Wine is a world rich in history, culture and complexity, filled with a unique vocabulary that can often be confusing to newcomers. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just beginning your winemaking journey, understanding common wine terminology can enhance your appreciation of this complex and fascinating beverage. Additionally, it will also enhance your wine tasting and selection experience when visiting a vineyard, dining at a restaurant, or hosting a wine tasting session. We bring you a complete wine glossary that every wine lover should familiarize themselves with.
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Here is a glossary of essential terms that every wine lover should know:
TO:
- Acid: The sour or pungent flavor of wine, often described as “bright” or “crisp.”
- Aerate: Expose the wine to oxygen, which can help it develop and reveal its flavors.
- Alcohol content: The percentage of alcohol by volume in a wine, generally ranging from 10% to 15%.
- Denomination: Specific wine-producing region with defined boundaries and regulations.
- Aroma: The primary aromas of a wine, often described as floral, fruity or earthy.
B:
- Body: The perceived weight or fullness of a wine in the mouth.
- Bouquet: The secondary aromas of a wine, which develop after the wine has aged.
- Brett: A type of yeast that can produce a buttery or funky flavor in wine.
- By the glass: A wine served by the glass, rather than by the bottle.
Also read: Here’s What Your Wine Preference Says About You: Why Red Wine is a Healthier Choice
DO:
- Winery: Place where wine is stored.
- Winery Selection: Wine that is chosen in the cellar of a winery for its quality and aging.
- Champagne: Sparkling wine made in the Champagne region of France.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Red wine grape variety known for its bold flavors and high tannins.
- Chardonnay: White wine grape variety known for its versatility and ability to produce wines with a wide range of flavors.
D:
- Decant: Pour the wine from one bottle to another to let it breathe and open up its flavors.
- Denomination: Term used to describe the origin and quality of a wine.
- Dessert Wine: Sweet wine usually served with dessert.
- Dry: Wine with little or no residual sugar.
F:
- Finish: The lingering flavor of a wine after it has been swallowed.
- Fortified wine: A wine to which alcohol has been added, such as port or sherry.
- Full-bodied: A wine with a rich, heavy texture.
GRAM:
- Gewurztraminer: White wine grape variety known for its spicy floral aroma.
- Grape Variety: The type of grape used to make a wine.
h:
- Herbaceous: Wine with a herbaceous or vegetal aroma.
- High tannins: Wine with a firm and astringent texture.
YO:
- Intense: A wine with strong flavors and aromas.
L:
- Legs: The streaks of wine that run down the inside of a glass when it is shaken.
- Light bodied: A wine with a fine and delicate texture.
METRO:
- Medium body: Wine with moderate body and texture.
- Merlot: A red wine grape variety known for its soft tannins and fruity flavors.
Also read: Red wine or white wine: which is better for your health?
Oh:
- Oak: The flavor imparted to a wine by aging it in oak barrels.
- Off-Dry: Wine with a slightly sweet flavor.
P:
- Pinot Noir: Red wine grape variety known for its elegance and complexity.
- Port: Generous wine from Portugal.
S:
- Sauvignon Blanc: White wine grape variety known for its citrus and spicy flavors.
- Screw cap: A type of closure for wine bottles that is increasingly popular.
- Shiraz: A red wine grape variety also known as Syrah.
- Sparkling wine: A wine with bubbles, like champagne or prosecco.
T:
- Tannins: The astringent compounds in wine that give it a firm texture.
- Terroir: The unique characteristics of a wine that are influenced by the climate, soil, and other environmental factors of the region where it is produced.
- Toasty: Wine with a flavor reminiscent of toasted bread or nuts.
- Vintage: Year in which a wine is made.
As you continue to explore the world of wine, you will discover new terms and develop your own palate. Cheers to your journey through the world of wine!
About Neha GroverThe love of reading awakened his writing instinct. Neha is guilty of having a deep fixation with anything containing caffeine. When she’s not expressing her thoughts on screen, you can find her reading while sipping coffee.
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