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 […]
Wine Tasting Term
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.
Perlage refers to the stream of bubbles in sparkling wines, an indicator of quality and technique. Fine, persistent perlage is often associated with high-quality sparkling wines, resulting from the carbon dioxide released during secondary fermentation. The size, consistency, and persistence of the bubbles contribute to the wine’s texture and enjoyment.
The petrol note is a characteristic aroma found in some aged white wines, notably Riesling. It is associated with the compound TDN, which develops through the wine’s aging process. While surprising, this aroma is considered a positive and complex attribute in Riesling, adding to its unique flavour profile.
Robust describes wines that are full-bodied, with a strong, powerful character, often with high alcohol content and pronounced flavours. Robust wines are typically rich and complex, offering depth in both taste and aroma, and are often best enjoyed with food that matches their intensity.
Smooth describes a wine’s texture that is pleasant and harmonious on the palate, often with soft tannins and balanced acidity. It is typically used for wines that provide an easy-drinking experience without harshness or astringency, making them approachable and enjoyable.
Acidity in wine refers to the fresh, tart, and sour attributes that help to balance the sweetness and bitterness of wines. It’s what makes your mouth water and is crucial for the structure and longevity of a wine. Acidity is naturally present in the grapes, and its level can vary […]
Sweet wines contain higher levels of residual sugar, offering flavours from slightly sweet to intensely sugary. Sweetness in wine can result from stopping fermentation early, using grapes with high natural sugar (late harvest), or adding sweetening components. Styles include dessert wines, late harvest wines, and fortified wines like Port.
The aroma of wine is the scent primarily derived from the grape variety and the fermentation process. It’s what you smell when you first sniff a wine. Aromas can range from fruity and floral to spicy and earthy, depending on the grape variety used and how the wine is made. […]