Wine Terminology Flashcards
Acidity
The liveliness and crispness in wine that activates our salivary glands
Acration
The deliberate addition of oxygen to round out and soften a wine
Alcohol
Ethanol (ethyl alcohol), the product of fermentation of sugars by yeast
Appellation
A delineated wine producing region particular to France
Aroma
The smell of wine, especially young wine (different than “bouquet”)
Balance
A term for when the elements of wine – acids, sugars, tannins, and alcohol – come together in a harmonious way
Blend
A wine made from more than one grape varietal
Body
A tactile sensation describing the weight and fullness of wine in the mouth. A wine can be light, medium, or full bodied
Bordeaux
The area in Southwest France considered one of the greatest wine-producing regions in the world
Botrytis
A beneficial mold that pierces the skin of grapes and causes dehydration, resulting in natural grape juice exceptionally high in sugar. Botrytis is largely responsible for the world’s finest dessert wines
Brilliant
A tasting note for wines that appear sparkling clear
Complex
A wine exhibiting numerous odors, nuances, and flavors
Finish
The impression of textures and flavors lingering in the mouth after swallowing wine
Fruity
A tasting term for wines that exhibit strong smells and flavors of fresh fruit
Mature
Ready to drink
