Wine vocabulary: terms to know

Let's talk less, let's talk wine! To put words to your feelings about wine, to have a little bottle or simply to choose the right one: here are some basic jargon that should be useful to you.

 

To be revised without moderation.

 

Terroir : Terroir refers to all the geological characteristics of a wine-growing region (climatic and agronomic) which give the wine its unique characteristics.

 

Grape variety : A grape variety is a variety of grape used to produce wine. Each grape variety has its own taste characteristics, contributing to the complexity of the wines.

 

Tannins : Tannins are compounds naturally present in grapes, mainly in the skins and seeds. They give structure and astringency to the wine.

 

Bouquet : Refers to all the aromas developed by a wine after its fermentation and aging in the bottle.

 

Vintage : It corresponds to the year of harvest of the grapes used to produce the wine. It can influence the quality and character of the wine.

 

Maceration : Maceration is the process of leaving the grape skins in contact with the must (grape juice) during fermentation, allowing the extraction of colors, aromas and tannins.

 

Nose : The nose refers to the aromas perceived by the sense of smell when tasting a wine. Aromas can be fruity, floral, spicy , woody, etc. To learn more about this, check out our article on How to Taste a Wine: The Steps to Follow

 

Body : Refers to the sensation of fullness in the mouth of the wine. A wine can be light, medium or full body.

 

Retro-olfaction : The perception of aromas in the mouth, which joins the sensations of the nose and mouth. Notes of black fruits and kirsch cherry for example.

 

Attack : The first sensation in the mouth, the immediate effect of the wine. A velvety attack can give way to a perfect balance.

 

Finish : This corresponds to the taste and aromatic sensations that persist in the mouth after swallowing or spitting out the wine.

 

Dress : To talk about the visual appearance of the wine, its “dress”. A tile, dark, purple or ruby ​​color can reveal clues about its age and maturity.

 

Body : The overall sensation of the wine in the mouth, including its texture. Delicate body can develop with subtle intensity.

 

Ample : Used for a wine with a coated material and an aromatic palette that fully occupies the mouth. A broad and silky experience.

 

Tannic : A powerful wine with pronounced tannins, which can give a certain roughness. The tannins soften with time.

 

Round : Tannins present, but without aggressiveness. A lively attack which evolves towards a certain roundness.

 

Fleshy : A powerful wine with a strong tannic structure. A fleshy texture that reveals its power.

 

Supple : A harmonious wine with pleasant levels of acidity and tannins. A supple texture that pairs perfectly with certain dishes.

 

Dry : A wine that gives a sensation of lack of hydration in the mouth.

 

Fruit : Fruit aromas perceptible on the nose and in the mouth. Notes of cherry, blackcurrant and raspberry…

 

Fresh : A character that evokes the freshness and marked acidity of the wine. An airy and delicate sensation.

 

Mineral : Characteristics reminiscent of stones, influenced by the terroir. A silky texture balanced by minerality .

 

Woody : The subtle presence of woody notes from aging in oak barrels. Complex aromas that blossom.

 

Racy : An elegant wine with energy, depth and complexity. A wine that stands out for its power.

 

Finish : The flavors and sensations that linger after you swallow (or spit out ) the wine. An intense and persistent finish.

And you? Are you a good student or a learner? We'll let you share your experiences with us just below ⬇️

Our other blog articles to help you become an expert :

How to taste a wine: the steps to follow

Choosing a good wine in 5 steps

Which wine is right for you?

Food and wine pairings: how to successfully combine wines?

Wine culture around the world: traditions and customs from elsewhere

@SoufianeZaidi