Wine Glossary: ​​General Terminology Every Wine Lover Should Know

Wine is a world rich in history, culture and complexity, filled with a unique terminology that can often be confusing to newcomers. Whether you’re an experienced wine connoisseur or just starting your wine journey, understanding common wine terminology can increase your appreciation of this complex and fascinating beverage. Plus, it will also enhance your wine tasting and selection experience when you’re visiting a vineyard, dining at a restaurant, or hosting a wine-tasting session. We bring you a comprehensive wine terminology that every wine lover should be familiar with.

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Here is a glossary of essential terms every wine lover should know:

A:

• Acid: A tart or tart flavor in wine, often described as “bright” or “crisp”.
• Aerating: Exposing the wine to oxygen, which can help it develop and reveal its flavor.
• Alcohol content: The percentage of alcohol by volume in wine, usually 10% to 15%.
• Appellation: A specific wine producing region with defined boundaries and regulations.
• Aroma: The primary aroma of a wine, often described as a floral, fruity, or earthy smell.

B:

• Body: The perceived weight or fullness of the wine in the mouth.
• Bouquet: The secondary aroma of a wine, which develops as the wine ages.
• Brett: A type of yeast that can cause a buttery or funky flavor in wine.
• By the glass: Wine served in a glass rather than a bottle.

Also read: What Your Wine Choice Says About You – Why Red Wine is a Healthier Choice

Wine is a popular beverage consumed around the world.

C:

• Cellar: A place where wine is stored.
• Cellar Select: A wine that is selected from a winery’s cellar based on its quality and age.
• Champagne: A sparkling wine made in the Champagne region of France.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: A red wine grape variety known for its tart flavor and high tannins.
• Chardonnay: A white wine grape variety known for its versatility and ability to produce wines with a wide range of flavors.

D:

• Decant: Pouring wine from one bottle to another to let it breathe and open up its flavors.
• Denomination: A term used to describe the origin and quality of a wine.
• Dessert wine: A sweet wine that is usually served with dessert.
• Dry: A wine with little or no residual sugar.

F:

• Finish: The lingering aftertaste of a wine after you swallow it.
• Fortified wine: Wine to which alcohol has been added, such as port or sherry.
• Full-bodied: A rich, heavily textured wine.

Yes:

• Gewürztraminer: A white wine grape variety known for its spicy, floral aromas.
• Grape variety: The type of grapes that are used to make wine.

H:

• Herbaceous: A wine with a grassy or plant-like aroma.
• High Tannin: A wine with a firm, astringent texture.

I:

• Strong: A wine with intense flavor and aroma.

l:

• Legs: Streams of wine that flow down the inside of a glass when it is turned.
• Light-bodied: A wine with a delicate, thin texture.

M:

• Medium Body: A wine with medium body and texture.
• Merlot: A red wine grape variety known for its soft tannins and fruit flavors.

Also read: Red Wine or White Wine: Which is Better for Your Health?

Hey:

• Oak: Aging wine in oak barrels imparts flavor.
• Off-Dry: A slightly sweet tasting wine.

P:

• Pinot Noir: A red wine grape variety known for its beauty and complexity.
• Port: A fortified wine from Portugal.

S:

• Sauvignon Blanc: A white wine grape variety known for its tart, sour flavors.
• Screw Cap: A type of wine bottling device that is becoming increasingly popular.
• Shiraz: A red wine grape variety also known as Syrah.
• Sparkling wine: Wines with bubbles, such as Champagne or Prosecco.

Tea:

• Tannins: 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.
• Toastie: A wine with a flavor reminiscent of toasted bread or nuts.
• Vintage: The year in which the wine was made.

As you continue exploring the world of wine, you’ll discover new terms and develop your own tastes. Good luck on your journey into the world of wine!