APPENDIX–VINOLOGY
The following terms are commonly used in the wine industry and are also referenced within this guidebook.
Wine Terms 
Term | Definition |
APPELLATION | The Appellation of Origin refers to the region in a country where the majority of |
| grapes used in a wine are grown. |
|
|
DESIGNATION | Refers to the vineyard producing the grapes or a unique producer label. |
|
|
DRINK/HOLD | A maturity status assigned to bottles which may be consumed now but will improve |
| with more aging. |
|
|
DRINK | A maturity status assigned to bottles which are in peak form and should be |
| consumed now for best results. |
|
|
HOLD | A maturity status assigned to bottles which should be allowed to mature to reach |
| their full potential. |
|
|
IN DECLINE | A maturity status assigned to bottles which have already passed their peak but may |
| still retain some value. |
|
|
PAST | A maturity status assigned to bottles which may not be drinkable due to loss of |
| quality. |
|
|
VARIETAL | Refers to the type of wine and is derived from the grape or vine type a wine is made |
| from, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir. |
|
|
VINTAGE | The vintage date indicates the year the grapes used to make the wine are harvested. |
| Nonvintage wines are made from blends of grapes harvested in different years. |
|
|
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