More Wine Lingo (Talk Like a Pro Part Two)
The language of wine can be daunting if you’re unfamiliar, but knowing even a little of the terminology can help you enjoy your wine-buying and drinking experience so much more. Our previous blog, “Talk Like a Pro” points out some basic wine terms, and this blog will help you continue your journey into a deeper dive into the world of wines.
You’ve probably heard people discussing these terms, but now you’ll know what they actually mean. And before you know it, you’ll not only impress yourself (and, of course, others) with your new vocabulary skills. The conversations will become second nature.
It’s all about balance!
Balance – It seems obvious what this term means, but what kind of balance are people looking for when they talk about a wine’s balance? It’s about all the elements being in harmony – think about the fruit flavor, sweetness level, oak, acidity, etc. Paying attention to the wine’s balance will help you focus on all the elements you’re tasting and feeling.
Body – This relates to how a wine feels in your mouth. Does it feel watery? That would be a light-bodied wine. Does it have a depth of flavor with some viscosity? That would be a heavy-bodied wine.
Smell that fresh fragrance!
Bouquet – This French word for scent helps you pay attention to the scent right before you sip. Is it a young wine with a floral scent? Perhaps you’re noticing a complex aroma in a mature wine. Actually, a wine’s aroma is derived from the grape variety, and its bouquet comes from the fermentation process. But for these purposes, it’s just nice to gently sniff the wine before sipping and note the scent, whether it’s nutty and spicy from the fermentation process or flowery and fruity from the grapes.
Earthy – No, this doesn’t mean that the wine wears Birkenstocks and loves beads. An earthy wine can present a rich, complex character from clean, beautiful soil. It can also mean the opposite, with a dense flavor and too much dirty taste.
We’re not talking about the tree!
Oak – Some people love wines with strong oak, while others prefer those without any oak. But what does it really mean? Many reds and some white wines are aged in different-sized oak barrels. The essence of the wood transfers into the wine, adding complexity and flavors such as vanilla, caramel, and toffee that non-oaked wines lack (which brings us right back to Bouquet).
This list is not only for learning new words. The terms will help you remember to look for a particular aspect in a wine you may have overlooked. Check the bouquet, take note of the balance, what kind of body it has, and so forth.
Here’s an opportunity to use your new vocabulary words and discover more at one of Boston Winery’s wine-tasting events!
