Improving your vocabulary is something everyone aspires towards. But what about your vinous vocab? Ever tasted a wine and been lost for words? Not because of the taste, but because you literally don’t know how to describe it? Here are ten of the best words to express your appreciation for a fine wine.
1. Crisp: a young wine usually has these flavors. Sauvignon Blanc and Italian whites often fall into this category.
2. Fruity: often given a bad name, this word suggests tastes that may be dry or off-dry (sweet).
3. Grassy: a classic term used to describe Sauvignon Blanc.
4. Hearty: used to describe complex tannins, this word applies to reds like Syrah or Malbec.
5. Oaky: a popular word derived from the casks in which wines, particularly Cabernets, marinate.
6. Rich: often used to describe full-bodied and weighty wines with lots of flavor, like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah.
7. Soft: use it to describe wines with fruity accents, low acidity, and mild tannins.
8. Spicy: associated frequently with Syrah, “peppery” is a complementary word to use.
9. Supple: describe Pinot Noirs and Bordeaux with this word, for their low tannins and texture.
10. Velvety: much like #’s 6 and 9, this word is better than “smooth.”
There you have it my fellow wine-drinkers. These words will take you one step closer to becoming an oenologist.
