Glossary of Wine Terms

Tasting term that refers to the feel and taste of a wine in the mouth.

Descriptor of wine produced with grapes that are semi-dry.

An Italian term used to describe a method of making sweet wines. The term is also used to describe the actual wine that is made using the Passito Method.

A descriptor of wine that is plain and unimaginative.

A descriptor reserved almost solely for spicy wine. “Peppery” wine has been described as having a sharp peppery/cinnamon/anise character.

Descriptor of a wine with a delightful bouquet, synonym of floral.

French term for a slightly sparkling wine. Also referred to as “petillant”. The small bubbles give the wine a lift, masking sweetness and providing a refreshing tingle.

South Africa term for a slightly sparkling wine. The small bubbles give the wine a lift, masking sweetness and providing a refreshing tingle.

In reference to wine, "peronospera" is a fungal disease that has the ability to cause severe damage to the vine.

A wine term referring to the length of time a taste/aroma sensation continues after it touches the palate.

French term for a slightly sparkling wine. Also referred to as “perlant”. The small bubbles give the wine a lift, masking sweetness and providing a refreshing tingle.

Most notably known as "Cabernet Sauvignon". A grape varietal, used in the production of robust red wines, originating in the Bordeaux region of France.

Most notably known as "Gamay". A grape varietal, used in the production of red wine, originating in the Beaujolais region of France.

Most notably known as "Pinot Gris". A grape varietal, used in the production of white to slightly pink wine, originating in the Alsace region of France.

Pronounced mur-lo. A grape varietal used in the production of hearty red wine. Originating in the Bordeaux region of France, the grape is also grown in the United States, Chile, Italy, Europe, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Pronounced pah-teet-see-rah. A California grape varietal used in the production of robust red wines.

Most notably known as "Cabernet Sauvignon". A grape varietal, used in the production of robust red wines, originating in the Bordeaux region of France.

In reference to wine, a group of compounds that are found primarily in the skins and seeds of the grape.

The study of the biological cycle and phases of wine development throughout the year.

A vine disease cause by a pest attacking the roots of the vine.

Grape varietal native to the Languedoc area of France with a history dating back to the 17th century.

Grape varietal native to the Languedoc area of France with a history dating back to the 17th century.

Grape varietal native to the Languedoc area of France with a history dating back to the 17th century.

Most notably known as "Nebbiolo". A grape varietal, used in the production of red wine, originating in the Piedmont region of Italy.

Most notably known as "Pinot Noir". A grape varietal used in the production of red and sparkling wines, originating in the Burgundy region of France.

Most notably known as "Chenin Blanc". A grape varietal, used in the production of white wine, originating in the Loire region of France.

Most notably known as "Chenin Blanc". A grape varietal, used in the production of white wine, originating in the Loire region of France.

Most notably known as "Chenin Blanc". A grape varietal, used in the production of white wine, originating in the Loire region of France.

Most notably known as "Pinot Gris". A grape varietal, used in the production of white to slightly pink wine, originating in the Alsace region of France.

Most notably known as "Pinot Blanc". A grape varietal, used in the production of white wine, originating in the Alsace region of France.

Pronounced pee-noe-blahn. A grape varietal, used in the production of white wine, originating in the Alsace region of France.

Most notably known as "Chenin Blanc". A grape varietal, used in the production of white wine, originating in the Loire region of France.

Most notably known as "Pinot Gris". A grape varietal, used in the production of white to slightly pink wine, originating in the Alsace region of France.

Most notably known as "Chardonnay". A grape varietal used in the production of white and sparkling wine.

Most notably known as "Pinot Noir". A grape varietal, used in the production of red and sparkling wines, originating in the Burgundy region of France.

Most notably known as "Pinot Gris". A grape varietal, used in the production of white to slightly pink wine, originating in the Alsace region of France.

Pronounced pee-noe-gree. A grape varietal, used in the production of white to slightly pink wine, originating in the Alsace region of France.

Most notably known as "Pinot Noir". A grape varietal, used in the production of red and sparkling wines, originating in the Burgundy region of France.

Most notably known as "Pinot Noir". A grape varietal, used in the production of red and sparkling wines, originating in the Burgundy region of France.

Pronounced pee-noe-nwahr. A grape varietal, used in the production of red and sparkling wines, originating in the Burgundy region of France.

Pronounced pee noh Tahj. A grape varietal, a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, created in South Africa in 1925 by Abraham Perold.

Most notably known as "Pinot Noir". A grape varietal, used in the production of red and sparkling wines, originating in the Burgundy region of France.

Descriptor of wine that is nearly a synonym for “fat”, though considered a step below when describing fullness in the mouth.

The variety of compounds present in grapes that determine a wines color, body, and pungency.

The stems, skin, and pips remaining after harvest. Is sometimes distilled making a raw brandy.

Pronounced paw-muh-rhawl. The smallest wine producing area of the Bordeaux region of France, therefore there is a limited supply of these wines available.

Descriptor of wine with little or no acid and/tannin content, and high alcohol and body character.

A wine fortified by adding grape alcohol partway through the fermentation. The wine is kept in oak for a relatively short time, then fortified and aged in bottles.

Descriptor of a strong, intense wine.

In reference to wine, "powdery mildew" is a fungal disease that has the ability to cause severe damage to the vine.