Wine terminology wine tasting terms glossary wine of the. Pdf english and spanish descriptors in wine tasting. Acid wine contains a number of different acids these differ from bottle to bottle. In special cases, if the purpose is to improve the quality of the wine, a maximum of 15% of wine of a previous year may be added. Glossary of wine terms dictionary social vignerons. All wines naturally contain acid, but it should always be in harmony with the other flavors. Describes the harsh, bitter taste or pungent, nosebiting odor caused by excessive amounts of sulfur added during winemaking. For those who identify with the latter, this glossary of wine tasting terms will get your vocabulary off to a roaring start. Aroma smells in wine that originate from the grape. Acidity is offset by residual sugar of, for example, socalled dessert wines and by alcohol. A wine may be a blend of different grapes such as cabernet sauvignon and merlot, or it may be a blend of the same grape variety from different vineyard sites, or even the same grape variety handled differently in the vineyard or during.
How to talk like a sommelier if you want to keep up with the cork dorks and understand why terms like scottie pippens hair and chunky monkey are thrown around, its time to break out a bottle and study up. Glossary of wine terminology wine terms wine dictionary. Glossary of wine terms june 27, 2018 august 20, 2018 buywine when wine people start talking, it is almost as if they are speaking a foreign language. One of the most subjective descriptive terms used, a complex wine is a wine that the taster never gets bored with and finds interesting to drink. Complex wines tend to have a variety of subtle scents and flavors that hold ones interest in the wine. In alcoholic fermentation it is the conversion of sugars to alcohol by yeast while in malolactic conversion it is the conversion of malic acid to lactic by bacteria. The act of squeezing the last remaining drops of juice or wine from pomace. Mixing two or more wines together for adjustment of flavor. Wine tasting vocabulary wine consulting, vintrinsic. If they are transferred into the wine, usually as a result of excessive pressing of the grapes, they tend to make it smell and taste.
The alcohol, fruitiness, sweetness, tannins, and acidity play off each other, and one doesnt dominate the others. Describes wine that has a moldy flavor or nose to it. For terms specific to viticulture, winemaking, grape varieties, and wine tasting, see the topic specific list in the see also section below. A wine that is highly acidic with hints of bright fruit and a clean finish. Acid is identifiable by the crisp, sharp character it imparts to a wine. Unravel the mystery in the glass one wine term at a time. Wine glossary of terms, wine dictionary, wine definitions. The pasta should be cooked until just soft with a slightly chewy centre.
As the word implies, aftertaste is the flavor effect that remains after wine is swallowed. A glossary of wine terms a brief az of winetasting. There are currently 51 wine terms listed and their meaning explained below. It is invariably more tannic and infinitely more bitter than free run wine. Wines under 14% alcohol can be labeled table wine and the winery does not have to state the actual alcohol content on the label. This is the mustread wine dictionary from the top wine school.
Acetic a defect in wine that has been exposed to air. Glossary of winemaking terminology northeast winemaking. Feuillette a french wine barrel with the capacity to hold 30 gallons 114 liters in burgundy and 35 gallons 2 liters in chablis. A province in france that makes world renowned dry white. For terms specific to viticulture, winemaking, grape varieties. Usually different types of wine are kept in separate sheds. A glossary of winetasting terms hernder estate wines. Red wines must have a minimum of three years maturation, including one year in bottle.
Glossary of wine terms paperback june 14, 2010 by world glossary collection author see all formats and editions hide other formats and editions. The smell of the grape variety used in a given wine. The goal is to have a concise, small set of wine terminology explained in the layman terms at least to the level that i can finally get them myself. The glossary of wine terms lists the definitions of many general terms used within the wine industry. Abierto open this is a wine with a lack of color and one which does not have a well balanced taste acerb acerbic wine that is sharp and acidic and very harsh on the palate aciete esencial essential oils oils found in the pips of the grapes. Perceived in the taste of the wine as a level of tartness, acidity is a naturally component consisting of mainly tartaric acid, at about 0. Bin originally a batch or collection of wine bottles, but more specifically a brand name that separates a particular wine from others produced by the same winery. Wine glossary main listing all content on the wineintro website is personally written by author and wine enthusiast lisa shea. If youre over the age of 21, its time to start trading up from terms like kegger and beer pong. Glossary of wine terminology the ultimate wine dictionary. Glossary of terms used in the process of making wine. A wellmade wine should have three components a sensation in the front of. Print the pdf version for a printable copy of the most common wine terminology to use at your next wine tasting. I will be adding definitions regularly to provide as much.
An aromatic spice, about the size of a pea, used in spicy or sweet foods like moroccan stews or. Wine obtained by pressing newly fermented red wine from spent pomace. This term may be used only for a vintagedated wine that possesses an extra 0. If there is no varietal smell but there is a grapes smell, the aroma is termed vinous berry. Blanc french word for white blend the combination of different lots of wine, blending to create a wine that is greater than the sum of its parts. It lists key general terminology used within the wine trade and includes descriptions related to viniculture, winemaking, grape varieties, wine tasting, and more. A flavored mayonnaise made with eggs, olive oil and gar lic.
Barrel fermented white wine that is fermented in an oak barrel instead of a stainless steel tank. This is not an attempt to produce an allinclusive, fully comprehensive glossary of wine terms those you can find without my help. A tasting term often used by wine judges to describe wines with unpleasant, but ill defined off odors or flavors. Aftertaste this describes how long the taste of a wine lasts after it is swallowed. The name solera is derived from the fact that traditionally the last casks used in this phase are those nearest to the floor suelo in spanish. Used to describe wines whose total acid is so high that they taste tart or sour and have a. A complete glossary of wine terminology with hundreds of easy to understand definitions. Only wine made from the freerun or lightly pressed juice of ripe healthy grapes, which has undergone a temperature controlled fermentation, qualifies. A hearty red grape of french origin now exceedingly popular in argentina. A fortified wine that has been made on a portuguese island off the coast of morocco since the 15th century. Our wine glossary has more than 150 wine terms defined, ensuring youll soon master the language of wine. Not to be confused though it often is with dionysus, who was the greek god of wine before the age of rome.
Any wine over 14% alcohol must state the alcohol content on the front label and may not use the term table wine on the label. A scale used to measure the level of sugar in unfermented grapes. A wine shed, or other storage place above ground, used for storing casks, common in bordeaux. Find below a glossary, ordered from a to z, of the most commonly unknown or misunderstood wine terms that are very frequently used by wine professionals and connoisseurs.
We created this glossary of wine terminology for all wine lovers, especially our wine students. Proprietary blend a generic term used to denote a wine made using more than one grape variety. The legal term for wine that is less than 14% alcohol. A glossary of wine terms cru limited fine wine merchants. A spicy condiment usually made of mango and oil and served with curry. Backbone a description that is synonymous with fullbodied and refers to wines that are well balanced. This page is wine glossary of terms, wine dictionary with definitions for all the important wine terms, wine speak and wine phrases you need to know in a simple, easy to use and easy to remember format. Here some key terms to the language of wine which may come in handy. A french term very dry used to describe the driest champagnes, ciders, or sparkling wines with less than 15 grams of sugar. Wine is periodically drawn from the lower casks which never move, and refreshed with an equal quantity of wine from a criadera or cask above.
If there is an excessive amount of acetic acidity, the wine will have a vinegary smell and be a flawed, acetic wine. The term can also be used to describe wines with hard tannins. A term conceived by bonny doons randall grahm to denote wine drinkers interest in grape varieties. By keeping this whole wine approach in your mind and on your tongue. For terms specific to viticulture, winemaking, grape varieties, and wine tasting, see the. Our wine glossary is an informative resource of key wine terms. The list is a group effort by some of our favorite sommeliers and. Wine glossary of terms, wine dictionary, wine definitions, wine. Check out the glossary of wine terms we have compiled to help you understand what the wine aficionados are saying. A process by which wine is poured into a decanter to allow it to breathe before drinking. Awkward wine tasting term describing an unbalanced wine. Acidity the presence of natural fruit acids that lend a tart, crisp taste to wine. When it comes to wine, theres a lot to be said for speaking the language.
More specifically, the blend should consist of grape varieties native to the region. English and spanish descriptors in wine tasting terminology article pdf available in terminology 201 january 2014 with 1,411 reads how we measure reads. Study flashcards on wine spain glossary of label terms at. Stemming from the word madeira, this term means oxidization in a hot environment. Basic wine tasting termsaacetic this describes wine which smells andor tastes of vinegar. A basic guide to wine terminology learning basic wine terms early on can help enhance your understanding and make it easier to express your impressions and preferences. The acidity of a balanced dry table wine is in the range of 0. Used to describe a sharp, sweetsour, and vinegarlike tang in wines with increased levels of volatile acidity acetic acid.
In this wine dictionary, you can find the most important wine terms and their definitions. A device that allows gas to escape from a vessel containing wine, but allows no air to enter. Wine glossary complete listing of all wine terms, from lisa shea. A wine can be visually bright, have bright aromas, or flavors. Abbreviation of alcohol by volume, generally listed on.
Glossary of terms used in the process of making wine 052920. Acid is necessary for wines to age and gives it a lively, crisp quality. Price new from used from paperback, june 14, 2010 please retry. Once you get the hang of it, and find a few words that work for you, it allows.
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