Common Tasting Terms

Acidity-

A critical element of wine, preserves the wine’s freshness.

 

In excess results in an overly tart and sour wine.

Balance-

A desired trait where tannin, fruit and acidity are in total

 

harmony. Wines with good balance tend to age

 

gracefully.

Body-

The weight and presence of wine in the mouth provided

 

by the alcohol and tannin level. Full-bodied wines tend

 

to have this strong concentration.

Bouquet-

The blending of a wine’s aroma within the bottle over a

 

period of time. Caused by volatile acidity.

Complex-

A subjective term often used in tasting. A wine is said to

 

be complex if it offers a variety of flavors and scents that

 

continue to evolve as it develops.

Flabby-

A wine that lacks structure, or is heavy to the taste, lacks

 

acidity.

Full-Bodied- Wine high in alcohol and extract, generally speaking fills

 

the mouth, powerful.

Lean-

Generally wines that are slim, lacking of generosity or

 

thin.

Oaky-

A desirable flavor imparted to wine if done in

 

moderation. Most wines are aged in oak barrels 1 to 3

 

years, thereby receiving this toasty oak characteristic.

 

However, if a weak wine is left in contact too long with

 

an oak barrel it will tend to be overpowered with an oaky

 

taste.

Tannin-

Tannins are extracted from the grape skins and stems

 

and are necessary for a well balanced red wine. Tannins

 

are easily identified in wine tasting as the drying

 

sensation over the gums. Tannins generally fade as a

 

wine ages.

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