Wine Tasting & Appreciation Vocabulary

the environmental factors affecting a wine's character

“The terroir of Burgundy produces distinctive Pinot Noir.”

the complex aromas of a mature wine

“The aged Bordeaux had a magnificent bouquet.”

a compound creating astringency and structure in wine

“Young Cabernet has firm tannins.”

wine from a particular year's harvest

“The 1982 vintage is legendary.”

a trained wine professional

“The sommelier recommended a perfect pairing.”

pouring wine into another vessel to separate sediment or aerate

“Old wines benefit from careful decanting.”

the lingering taste after swallowing

“The wine had an exceptionally long finish.”

the weight and fullness of wine in the mouth

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

wine with no residual sugar

“I prefer dry wines to sweet.”

having flavors imparted by oak barrel aging

“The Chardonnay was too oaky for my taste.”

wine spoiled by a contaminated cork

“Unfortunately, the bottle was corked.”

the streaks of wine running down the glass

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