Understanding Wine Terminology: A Glossary for Newbies

Getting into wine can be a bit intimidating, but understanding some basic terminology can help you feel more confident. Here’s a quick guide to some common wine terms:

Body: Refers to the weight and fullness of the wine in your mouth. Wines can be light, medium, or full-bodied.

Tannin: A compound found in grape skins and oak barrels that gives wine structure and a drying sensation. More common in red wines, tannins can make a wine feel more astringent.

Dry: Indicates a wine with little to no residual sugar, meaning it’s not sweet.

Finish: The taste that lingers in your mouth after you swallow. A longer finish often means a more complex, higher-quality wine.

Oaky: Describes flavors of vanilla, toast, or caramel imparted by aging wine in oak barrels.

Jammy: A term often used to describe a juicy full-bodied fruit driven style.

Racy: Usually refers to a high-acidity wine; think tart or the wine has a tingling character.

With these basic terms, you’ll be able to better understand and describe the wines you enjoy. Cheers!

Contributed by Blake Leland, Sommelier for Plume Ridge Bottle Shop.