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Phenolic compounds in wines that contribute to the bitter, dry taste; often experienced in red wines. Example: A Barolo is well-known for its high tannin content.

A natural component of wine that adds sharpness; it's essential for the structure and can affect the longevity of the wine. Example: A young Riesling may exhibit a vibrant and crisp acidity.

Describes the weight and fullness of wine in the mouth. Example: A Cabernet Sauvignon is typically considered a full-bodied wine.

A wine with no perceived sweetness; lacks sugar. Example: A Brut Champagne is typically described as dry.

Describes a full-bodied wine with strong flavors and pronounced intensity. Example: A robust wine could be a powerful California Cabernet with strong tannins.

The complex aromas in aged wines, developing after the primary fruit aromas. Example: An aged Bordeaux may develop a bouquet with earthy and forest floor aromas.

The harmony between acidity, tannins, fruit, alcohol, and oak in a wine. Example: A well-balanced wine won't have any single characteristic overpowering the others.

A term that describes aromas or flavors reminiscent of the earth, such as soil, peat, or mushrooms. Example: Some Old World wines, like those from Burgundy, may present an earthy characteristic.

Wine that has absorbed oak flavors from the barrels it's aged in, such as vanilla, smoke, or caramel. Example: An oaky Chardonnay might exhibit vanilla and butter flavors.

Refers to aromas and flavors reminiscent of herbs, such as grass, bell pepper, or eucalyptus. Example: Cabernet Franc often displays herbaceous qualities.

Describes ripe, concentrated, and fruit-forward flavors that can resemble jam. Example: Some Shiraz wines exhibit jammy qualities, rich with berry flavors.

Wine with a smooth, soft, and velvety texture. Example: A Pinot Noir is often celebrated for its silky texture.

The smell of wine, especially young wine, that is derived from the grape variety and fermentation. Example: A Sauvignon Blanc often has a grassy or herby aroma.

A characteristic that imbues the wine with a sense of the place's mineral qualities, such as flint or wet stone. Example: Many believe Chablis possesses distinct minerality.

Wine that is smooth, but not as rich as 'silky,' and often implies moderate tannins. Example: A Merlot is frequently characterized as supple, with soft tannins.

The streaks that wine forms on the inside of a wineglass after swirling; they can indicate alcohol content or sugar richness. Example: A wine with pronounced legs might be more viscous, indicating higher alcohol or sugar content.

A wine with refreshing acidity. Example: Pinot Grigio is often appreciated for its crisp acidity.

The impression of textures and flavors lingering in the mouth after swallowing the wine. Example: A wine with a long finish might leave a taste of ripe fruit or oakiness even after it's been swallowed.

A wine that expresses strong fruit flavors and aromas. Example: Zinfandel is often described as being very fruity, with flavors of ripe berries.

A textural descriptor indicating a smooth, rich mouthfeel, often due to malolactic fermentation. Example: A Chardonnay with a creamy texture might have undergone malolactic fermentation to soften acidity.

Describes a flavor reminiscent of toasted bread, often from oak-aging. Example: Sparkling wines aged on the lees, like Champagne, can exhibit a toasty character.

Refers not to the perception of sweetness from the fruit flavors but to the actual residual sugar content in the wine. Example: Port is a sweet wine with high residual sugar.

Wine that has a balance of acidity, tannins, and alcohol, which gives it a defined shape in the mouth. Example: Barolo, with its firm tannin and acidity, is an example of a well-structured wine.

Wines that have not been aged in oak barrels, thus maintaining the pure flavors of the grape and fermentation. Example: An unoaked Chardonnay allows the crisp and fresh fruit characteristics to shine.

The characteristic taste and flavor imparted to a wine by the environment in which it is produced. Example: The terroir of Burgundy's Pinot Noir is distinct, reflecting its specific region's climate, soil, and topography.

A wine displaying multiple layers of flavors and aromas that intermingle. Example: A complex wine could present flavors of fruit, spices, and earth that evolve over time in the glass.

The year in which the grapes for the wine were harvested. Example: A wine's vintage, like 2011, indicates the year the grapes were picked.

Wine aromas or flavors reminiscent of vegetables, which can be due to certain grape varieties or underripe grapes. Example: Some Cabernet Sauvignon wines may have vegetal notes of bell peppers.

Wines that are pleasant to drink, without any harshness in the texture or finish. Example: A smooth wine might be a well-aged, tannin-softened Bordeaux.

Describes a mineral quality in the wine, often associated with a taste of wet stones or steel. Example: A Loire Valley Sancerre can exhibit a flinty minerality.