Wine Tasting Term

The body of a wine refers to its weight or fullness on the palate, influenced by alcohol content, sugar, and extract. Wines are typically described as light, medium, or full-bodied. Light-bodied wines feel lighter and more delicate, medium-bodied wines offer a balanced weight, and full-bodied wines are richer and heavier. […]

Complexity in wine refers to the range and depth of aromas, flavours, and textures it presents. A complex wine may offer multiple layers of flavour that evolve in the glass or as it ages. Factors contributing to complexity include the grape variety, vineyard location, winemaking techniques, and aging processes. Complex […]

In winemaking, “dry” refers to a wine that contains no perceptible sugar or sweetness. During fermentation, yeast converts the sugar in grapes into alcohol and carbon dioxide. In dry wines, this process continues until almost all the sugar is consumed, resulting in a wine that tastes not sweet. The term […]

The flavour profile of a wine encompasses the range of tastes and aromas perceived during tasting. This profile can include fruit, floral, herbal, earthy, and oak-derived notes, among others. The complexity and balance of these flavours are key quality indicators, with the profile varying widely among different grape varieties, winemaking […]

The finish of a wine refers to the sensations and flavours that linger in the mouth after swallowing. A long, complex finish is often a sign of a high-quality wine, indicating a balance of acidity, tannins, and alcohol. The nature of the finish can reveal much about the wine’s character […]

Minerality is a tasting term used to describe a wine’s quality that evokes minerals or a sense of the earth. While not directly related to the presence of minerals in the wine, it is often associated with flavours and aromas such as wet stone, flint, or chalk, contributing to the […]

Mouthfeel refers to the physical sensations a wine produces in the mouth, including texture, body, tannin, and acidity. It can range from light and silky to rich and full-bodied, playing a significant role in the overall tasting experience. Mouthfeel helps to describe the wine’s weight, creaminess, astringency, and carbonation level, […]

The nose of a wine refers to its aroma or bouquet, the scents that can be detected by smelling the wine before tasting. It is a critical aspect of wine evaluation, revealing much about the wine’s character, quality, and potential aging. The nose can range from fruity and floral notes […]

Oaked refers to wine that has been aged in oak barrels, which imparts distinct flavours such as vanilla, toast, and spice, as well as influencing the wine’s texture and tannin structure. The extent of these characteristics depends on factors like the type of oak, the age of the barrels, and […]

The palate refers to the range of flavours, textures, and sensations experienced when tasting wine. It includes sweetness, acidity, tannins, alcohol, and body, as well as specific flavour notes. The palate’s evaluation helps to assess the wine’s balance, complexity, and quality.