The following is a list of wine terms that will help you speak intelligently about wine or at least fake it. Our page is a good start for the wine beginner, or for those of you with limited knowledge, so if that's you, read on.
The quality of tartness or sharpness in the taste of wine due to the presence of natural acids.
A balanced wine is one whose components - sugar, fruit, tannin, acid, alcohol, wood, and so forth - are evident, but do not mask or dominate one another.
The various fragrances noted by smell, created by the development of wine from the fermentation and aging process, whether in barrel or bottle.
The various elements that make up bouquet, aroma, and taste in wine. When a wine is described as having the aroma of fresh peaches or apples, it is displaying some of its complexities.
A wine with little or no noticeable sugar, usually containing less than 0.2 percent sugar. On champagne and sparkling wines, dry often refers to faintly sweet- not as dry as brut.
The tactile and flavor impressions left in the mouth while a beverage is being swallowed. Some beverages finish harsh, hot, and astringent, while others are smooth, soft, and elegant.
A term relating to the body or mouth-filling capacity of wine. Additionally, it applies to wines that are robust, intensely flavored, and comparatively high in sugar, or alcohol content.
The stage in the aging of wines when they have developed all of their characteristic qualities to full perfection.
The odor and/or flavor of wines aged in small oak barrels. Some oak barrels impart a toasty or spicy vanillin odor and taste which is desirable in moderation but undesirable if exaggerated.
A bitter component found in the seeds, stems, and skins of graped, and is extracted from wooden barrels. It is quite astringent and causes a puckering sensation in the front of the mouth.
The name of the dominant grape in a wine - Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, and Sangiovese. Varietal wines require that at least 75 percent of that grape variety is used.
The year that the grapes were picked or harvested for the making of wine, with the date shown on the label.
The Concise Guide to Wine, by Shelagh Ryan Masline, describes more wine terms and good wines to choose from every region.