Wine Tasting Tips - Wine Vocabulary

May 8, 2008

Can you give me some wine tasting tips to increase my vocabulary? I want to be able to put words to what I taste when drinking a good bottle. What common wine terms are used to describe wine in a consistent manner? - Janice in Flagstaff, AZ

Developing a broad wine vocabulary of what wine tastes like makes it possible to communicate the tastes and smells that we experience when tipping back a few glasses. Here is a quick break down of the wine terminology that relates to the most common flavors you will find.

Floral - Geranium, Violet, Rose, Orange Blossom

Spicy - Licorice, Anise, Black Pepper, Cloves

Fruity - Citrus,Berry, Tree Fruit, Dried Fruit

Vegetative - Fresh, Canned/Cooked, Nutty

Caramelized - Honey, Butterscotch, Butter

Woody - Vanilla, Cedar, Oak, Smoky

Earthy - Moldy Cork, Musty, Mildew, Mushroom, Dusty

Having the ability to put actual wine terms to what you taste can give you a lot of confidence when you’re at a wine tasting event or out to dinner with that special love interest. Remember though that sometimes just sitting back and enjoying the flavors of the wine as it wanders it’s way around your tongue are the best moments to enjoy in silence. Cheers!!

Posted by The Wine Virgin | Filed Under Wine Questions 

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