Wine Tasting & Appreciation Vocabulary

the environmental factors affecting a wine's character

“The terroir of Burgundy produces distinctive Pinot Noir.”

Origin: French terroir `land, soil`, from Latin terra `earth`

the complex aromas of a mature wine

“The aged Bordeaux had a magnificent bouquet.”

Origin: French bouquet `bunch of flowers`

a compound creating astringency and structure in wine

“Young Cabernet has firm tannins.”

Origin: French tanin, from tan `oak bark` used in tanning

wine from a particular year's harvest

“The 1982 vintage is legendary.”

Origin: French vendange `grape harvest`, from Latin vindemia

a trained wine professional

“The sommelier recommended a perfect pairing.”

Origin: French sommelier, from Old Provençal saumalier `pack-animal driver`

pouring wine into another vessel to separate sediment or aerate

“Old wines benefit from careful decanting.”

Origin: French décanter, from Medieval Latin decanthare

the lingering taste after swallowing

“The wine had an exceptionally long finish.”

Origin: From finish, the final impression

the weight and fullness of wine in the mouth

“A full-bodied red pairs well with steak.”

Origin: From body, referring to substance and weight

wine with no residual sugar

“I prefer dry wines to sweet.”

Origin: From the absence of sweetness

having flavors imparted by oak barrel aging

“The Chardonnay was too oaky for my taste.”

Origin: From oak, the wood used for barrels

wine spoiled by a contaminated cork

“Unfortunately, the bottle was corked.”

Origin: From cork, referring to TCA contamination

the streaks of wine running down the glass

“The wine's legs indicated high alcohol content.”

Origin: Visual metaphor for the dripping appearance