{"id":79044,"date":"2020-06-17T14:06:36","date_gmt":"2020-06-17T14:06:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/?p=79044"},"modified":"2020-06-17T14:06:36","modified_gmt":"2020-06-17T14:06:36","slug":"all-the-wine-terms-you-need-to-know-from-a-z","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/all-the-wine-terms-you-need-to-know-from-a-z\/","title":{"rendered":"All The Wine Terms You Need To Know From A-Z"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re a wine aficionado or simply just love wine, you should know some basic wine terms. It sometimes seems like wine experts are speaking their own language when it comes to wine, but worry not, some of these terms are easier than they seem. So next time you\u2019re at a dinner party (real or virtual<\/a>) you can impress everybody with your new found wine knowledge.<\/p>\n

\"wine<\/p>\n

A<\/h3>\n

ABV<\/h4>\n

Alcohol by volume, listed on a wine label to tell you, well, alcohol by volume.<\/p>\n

Acidity<\/h4>\n

It\u2019s what gives the wine tartness, it\u2019s also the level of perceived sharpness; making a wine seem \u2018crisp\u2019 or \u2018smooth\u2019. Acidity is an important element to a wine’s longevity.<\/p>\n

Aeration<\/h4>\n

You\u2019ve probably heard people saying they need to let the wine \u2018breathe\u2019 after opening a bottle. That\u2019s exactly what aeration is – the deliberate addition of oxygen to round out and soften the flavour of a wine.<\/p>\n

Aftertaste<\/h4>\n

A tasting term for the taste left on the palate after wine has been consumed.<\/p>\n

Ageing<\/h4>\n

Holding wine in barrels, often made of oak to age a wine. Sometimes wine is aged in bottles or tanks to advance them to a more preferable state.<\/p>\n

Alcohol<\/h4>\n

An easy wine term. It\u2019s the ethanol (ethyl alcohol), which is the product of fermentation of sugars by yeast.<\/p>\n

Appellation of Origin<\/h4>\n

If you\u2019re one of those folks who likes to read a wine label, then you might have seen this phrase. This refers to the place where most of the grapes that were used in the wine were grown. It can be the name of a geographic region or country. Fun fact: federal regulations require that at least 75 percent of the grapes must be grown in the named appellation of origin.<\/p>\n

Aperitif<\/h4>\n

It\u2019s normally a dry wine that is served before a meal to stimulate the appetite. It can be served with antipasti as well.<\/p>\n

Aroma<\/h4>\n

This wine term refers to the smell or \u2018nose\u2019 of a wine. Aroma is generally applied to younger wines, while the term Bouquet is reserved for more aged wines. It is dependent on the wine making process, the grapes that were used, and the storage conditions. Aromas can be floral, earthy, fruity, citrusy, or any number of familiar scents.<\/p>\n

Astringency<\/h4>\n

This wine term is simple referring to how bitter or harsh a wine is. This is caused by the amount of tannins a wine has absorbed from the skins and seeds of the grapes, usually a high level of tannins.<\/p>\n

\n

B<\/h3>\n

Balance<\/h4>\n

A wine term for when the elements of wine – sugar, tannins, acids and alcohol come together in a harmonious way and no element dominates the other.<\/p>\n

Balthazar<\/h4>\n

If you\u2019ve gone to any old school Italian or French restaurant, you\u2019ve definitely seen those enormous bottles of wine on display- that is called a balthazar. It contains 12 litres, the equivalent of 16 regular wine bottles.<\/p>\n

Barrique<\/h4>\n

So you know that a barrel is used to ferment and age the wine, a barrique does the same thing. The only difference is that it\u2019s 225-litre and it originated in Bordeaux, France.<\/p>\n

Blanc, Bianco Blanco, Branco<\/h4>\n

French\/Italian\/Spanish\/Portuguese terms for a white wine or grape.<\/p>\n

Bitter<\/h4>\n

This wine term refers to the taste that is sensed on the back of the tongue and caused by tannins in a wine.<\/p>\n

Blend<\/h4>\n

A fancy way of saying the wine is made from more than one grape varietal.<\/p>\n

Body<\/h4>\n

It sounds funny but it’s the way to describe how thin or thick wine feels in your mouth, which is basically just describing the weight and fullness of wine in the mouth. A wine can be light, medium, or full bodied.<\/p>\n

Bouquet<\/h4>\n

This wine term refers to the complex aromas in aged wines.<\/p>\n

Brilliant<\/h4>\n

This refers to a tasting note for wines that is very clear and contains no sediment. This does not have to do with the wine varietal itself but rather how it was made and bottled.<\/p>\n

Brut<\/h4>\n

A French term that refers to sparkling wines and dry champagnes. It essentially means that it\u2019s dry.<\/p>\n

\n

C<\/h3>\n

Cabernet Sauvignon<\/h4>\n

The world’s most widely recognised red wine grape variety and is perceived to be a dry wine. Read more about Cabernet Sauvignon here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Canopy<\/h4>\n

Maybe not the most need-to-know wine term but this refers to the parts of the grape vine above ground, in particular the shoots and leaves.<\/p>\n

Chaptalisation<\/h4>\n

This is the process of adding sugar to wine before or during fermentation in order to increase the alcohol content. This process is highly controlled in parts of the world and illegal in others.<\/p>\n

Chardonnay<\/h4>\n

A type of wine, one of the \u201cnoble\u201d white varietals. Get to know Chardonnay here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Chenin Blanc<\/h4>\n

A white grape common in the Loire Valley of France and South Africa. Read more about Chenin Blanc here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Citric Acid<\/h4>\n

Citric acid is one of the three predominant acids in wine and is often added to wines to increase acidity, complementing a specific flavour. It can also be added to finished wines to increase acidity for a fresher flavour.<\/p>\n

Claret<\/h4>\n

This refers to red wine from Bordeaux, It is an English term that is linked to the French term ‘clairet’.<\/p>\n

Closed<\/h4>\n

This wine term is used to describe an underdeveloped wine whose flavours are not exhibiting well on the palate yet.<\/p>\n

Complex<\/h4>\n

This refers to when a wine changes flavours from the moment you taste it to the moment you swallow. A wine exhibiting numerous odours and flavours.<\/p>\n

Cork Taint<\/h4>\n

This occurs when undesirable aromas and flavours are felt in a wine. This happens when there is spoilage that can only be detected after bottling, ageing and opening.<\/p>\n

Corked<\/h4>\n

A term that means a wine has suffered cork taint.<\/p>\n

Cuv\u00e9e<\/h4>\n

Refers to a particular blend of a wine and typically of more than one grape variety.<\/p>\n

\n

D<\/h3>\n

D\u00e9bourbage<\/h4>\n

Referring to the process of settling the freshly pressed white grape \u201cjuice\u201d prior to fermentation, this process reduces the need for filtration or fining.<\/p>\n

Decant<\/h4>\n

The transferring of wine from a bottle to another vessel. The purpose is generally to aerate a young wine or to separate an older wine from any sediment.<\/p>\n

Demi-sec<\/h4>\n

This French term means that it is \u2018half-dry\u2019. It is used to describe a sweet sparkling wine.<\/p>\n

Dry<\/h4>\n

This refers to wines with zero or very low levels of residual sugar. It is also often attributed to the sensation that is caused by the wine’s tannins.<\/p>\n

\n

E<\/h3>\n

Earthy<\/h4>\n

This is a term used to describe the flavours and aromas of a wine that may have a soil-like quality.<\/p>\n

En Tirage<\/h4>\n

French for \u201cin pulling\u201d, it refers to that period of time that an already bottled sparkling wine is rested during secondary fermentation. This is part of the M\u00e9thode Champenoise process.<\/p>\n

Enology<\/h4>\n

The science of wine and winemaking because let\u2019s not forget winemaking really is a science.<\/p>\n

\n

F<\/h3>\n

Fermentation<\/h4>\n

This is the conversion of grape sugars to alcohol by yeast; it drives complex chemical reactions that affect the aroma, flavour, and even colour of the finished wine.<\/p>\n

Fining<\/h4>\n

This wine term refers to the process of clearing the wine of unwanted particles. Clearing agents are usually egg whites or gelatin (among other things) fining agents don\u2019t remain in the finished wine.<\/p>\n

Finish<\/h4>\n

The impression of the flavours that linger in the mouth after the wine is consumed.<\/p>\n

Flabby<\/h4>\n

A tasting term that is used to indicate a wine lacking in structure, often caused by low acidity.<\/p>\n

Fruity<\/h4>\n

This tasting term is reserved for wines that smell strongly and exhibit flavours of fruit.<\/p>\n

Full-bodied<\/h4>\n

It\u2019s impossible to have not heard the term \u2018full-bodied wine\u2019 before and if you didn\u2019t know what it meant we\u2019re here to help. It simply means a wine high in alcohol and flavours, often described as \u201cbig\u201d.<\/p>\n

Fum\u00e9 Blanc<\/h4>\n

A name created by Robert Mondavi to describe dry Sauvignon Blanc.<\/p>\n

\n

G<\/h3>\n

Granvas<\/h4>\n

Spanish term for a sparkling wine that has been tank fermented as opposed to going through secondary fermentation in the bottle according to the Traditional Method used for Cava production.<\/p>\n

Grapes<\/h4>\n

The vine produced fruit used in the winemaking process.<\/p>\n

\n

H<\/h3>\n

Herbaceous<\/h4>\n

A tasting term that is used to refer to a wine that has flavours of fresh herbs.<\/p>\n

Haut<\/h4>\n

A wine term used to describe a wine that is high in alcohol.<\/p>\n

Hollow<\/h4>\n

A term used to describe a wine that does not have depth or body.<\/p>\n

\n

I<\/h3>\n

Inoculation<\/strong><\/p>\n

The process in which yeast is introduced into the must in order to kick-start fermentation.<\/p>\n

\n

K<\/h3>\n

Kosher wine<\/h4>\n

Wine that is produced under the supervision of a rabbi so as to be ritually pure or clean.<\/p>\n

\n

L<\/h3>\n

Lees<\/h4>\n

Wine sediment that occurs during and after fermentation, it consists of dead yeast, grape seeds, and other solids. Wine is separated from the lees by racking.<\/p>\n

Leesy<\/h4>\n

A tasting term for the smells and rich aromas that come from a wine resting on its lees (usually 2-3 months).<\/p>\n

Length<\/h4>\n

The lingering sensation that the flavours leave after swallowing wine.<\/p>\n

\n

M<\/h3>\n

Malic acid<\/h4>\n

One of the three acids (the other one being citric acid above) in grapes.<\/p>\n

Malolactic Fermentation<\/h4>\n

Malolactic fermentation is a winemaking process in which tart-tasting malic acid, naturally present in grape must, is converted to softer tasting lactic acid. A bacteria called Oenoccocus Oeni (along with other Lactobacillus strains) eat the malic acid in wine and lactic acid is a by-product of this process. It gives the wine with a creamy, oil-like texture on the tongue and is probably most notable in a wooded Chardonnay, where the wine is often referred to as ‘buttery’.<\/p>\n

Mature<\/h4>\n

In wine terms, a mature is wine is ready to drink<\/p>\n

Merlot<\/h4>\n

Merlot is a variety of wine grape used to create a popular red wine. Read more about Merlot here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Mouth-Feel<\/h4>\n

This refers to how a wine feels on the palate; it can be smooth, rough or velvety.<\/p>\n

Must<\/h4>\n

This wine term refers to unfermented grape juice including seeds, skins, and stems.<\/p>\n

\n

N<\/h3>\n

New World Wine<\/h4>\n

Wines produced outside of the traditional wine-growing areas of Europe and North Africa.<\/p>\n

Nose<\/h4>\n

A tasting term describing the aromas and bouquets of a wine.<\/p>\n

Noble Rot<\/h4>\n

Sounds bad right but actually this is an often sought after process caused by the fungus Botrytis Cinerea and is how sweet wines are often created. It is a delicate balance to ensure that the grapes are not negatively affected and are picked at the right time. If done correctly the sweet wines produced are some of the best there are (termed Botrytised wines).<\/p>\n

\n

O<\/h3>\n

Oaky<\/h4>\n

This is a term used to describe \u2018oaky\u2019 flavours and aromas in wine.<\/p>\n

Oenology<\/h4>\n

The study of aspects of wine and winemaking.<\/p>\n

Open<\/h4>\n

A wine tasting term that basically means a wine is ready to drink.<\/p>\n

Oxidation<\/h4>\n

A wine term used to describe a wine that has been exposed to air and has undergone a chemical change.<\/p>\n

\n

P<\/h3>\n

pH<\/h4>\n

It\u2019s the measure of acidity. The lower the pH, the higher the acidity.<\/p>\n

Pinot Blanc<\/h4>\n

A white wine grape used to make a dry French wine<\/p>\n

Pinot Gris<\/h4>\n

Can also be called Pinot Grigio, this is a more grayish than purple grape that yields a white wine.<\/p>\n

Pinot Noir<\/h4>\n

The prime red grape of Burgundy, Champagne, and Oregon. Pinot noir is now used to make red wines around the world, as well as Champagne.<\/p>\n

Pinotage<\/h4>\n

A hybrid between Pinot Noir and Cinsault that is grown almost exclusively in South Africa. Learn more about Pinotage here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Pip<\/h4>\n

The seeds of a grape.<\/p>\n

\n

Q<\/h3>\n

Quaffing wine<\/h4>\n

A term used to describe a simple, everyday drinking wine.<\/p>\n

\n

R<\/h3>\n

Reserve<\/h4>\n

A term indicating a wine of higher quality.<\/p>\n

Rough<\/h4>\n

The coarse sensation one experiences with very astringent wines.<\/p>\n

Riesling<\/h4>\n

A variety of grape used to make white wine. Riesling grapes are used also for high-quality wines right here in South Africa. This wine is known for its acidity and fruitiness both in the nose and on the palate.<\/p>\n

\n

S<\/h3>\n

Sec<\/h4>\n

The French word for \u201cdry\u201d.<\/p>\n

Sommelier<\/h4>\n

A certified wine professional, normally working in vineyards and fine restaurants, who specialise in all aspects of wine service including wine and food pairing.<\/p>\n

Spicy<\/h4>\n

A tasting term used for wines that have a bit of a spice aroma or flavour. Think saffron, thyme, baking spices and more. Often noted in wines like Shiraz.<\/p>\n

Structure<\/h4>\n

A tasting term that implies the harmony of all the elements in the wine, the tannins, fruit and alcohol.<\/p>\n

Sherry<\/h4>\n

A fortified wine that has been made from white grapes. The controlled oxidation that is used produces a distinctive flavour.<\/p>\n

Shiraz<\/h4>\n

Shiraz or Syrah is a variety of grape used to make red wine. Learn more about Shiraz.<\/a><\/p>\n

Sulfites<\/h4>\n

Compounds that are added to wine to prevent oxidation, microbial spoilage, and further fermentation by the yeast. Sometimes blamed for causing hangover headaches. Some people are allergic to sulfites and will notice a reaction when drinking wine.<\/p>\n

\n

T<\/h3>\n

Tannins<\/h4>\n

The phenolic compounds in wines that leave a bitter and dry feeling in the mouth.<\/p>\n

Tartaric acid<\/h4>\n

The principal acid in grapes, and one of the three acids. This acid promotes flavour and ageing in wine.<\/p>\n

Texture<\/h4>\n

A tasting term describing how the wine feels on the palate of the mouth.<\/p>\n

Typicity<\/h4>\n

A tasting term that describes how well a wine expresses the signature characteristics of the grape from which it was produced.<\/p>\n

\n

U<\/h3>\n

Ullage<\/h4>\n

This wine term refers to the empty space left in bottles and barrels as a wine evaporates.<\/p>\n

Unoaked<\/h4>\n

Refers to wines that have been matured without contact with wood\/oak such as in ageing barrels. Also known as unwooded.<\/p>\n

\n

V<\/h3>\n

Varietal<\/h4>\n

Wines made from a single grape variety.<\/p>\n

Vegetal<\/h4>\n

Tasting term that describes the flavours of vegetables on the nose and in the flavours of the wine.<\/p>\n

Vinification<\/h4>\n

The process of making wine<\/p>\n

Vitis Vinifera<\/h4>\n

The species of wine that comprises over 99% of the world\u2019s wine, yes you read that right.<\/p>\n

Vintage<\/h4>\n

This wine term refers to the year a wine is bottled. Also, the yield of wine from a vineyard during a single season.<\/p>\n

\n

W<\/h3>\n

Weight<\/h4>\n

Similar to the term \u2018body\u2019, it\u2019s the sensation when a wine feels thick or rich on the palate.<\/p>\n

Wine-press<\/h4>\n

A device that is used to extract juice from crushed grapes during winemaking.<\/p>\n

\n

Y<\/h3>\n

Yeast<\/h4>\n

Yeast is what turns grape juice into alcohol through fermentation.<\/p>\n

Yield<\/h4>\n

This wine term refers to the productivity of a vineyard<\/p>\n

Young<\/h4>\n

A young wine means it\u2019s been bottled and sold within a year of its vintage. They are noted for their fresh and crisp flavours.<\/p>\n

\n

Z<\/h3>\n

Zymology<\/h4>\n

The science of fermentation in wine.<\/p>\n

Love wine? Check out more in our wine section<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re a wine aficionado or simply just love wine, you should know some basic wine terms. It sometimes seems like wine experts are speaking their own language when it comes to wine, but worry not, some of these terms are easier than they seem. So next time you\u2019re at a dinner party (real or virtual) you can impress everybody with your new found wine knowledge. A ABV Alcohol by volume, listed on a wine label to tell you, well, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5861,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4098],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-79044","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-general"],"acf":[],"brand_slug":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/79044","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5861"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=79044"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/79044\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":79053,"href":"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/79044\/revisions\/79053"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=79044"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=79044"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=79044"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}