Have you ever had a glass of wine that you loved so much, but couldn't find the words to describe it? Acquiring a good wine vocabulary will make you a more knowledgeable wine drinker and allow you to really express your interest in the juice. I became rather inspired one day and created a list of words I use when I review wine. Feel free to use these words the next time you drink wine!
Acidic * wine has high acid; it tastes sour and tart
Aggressive * wine has harsh tannin and high acidity
Big * wine is full bodied and tastes intense
Bitter * wine has too much tannin (usually with younger wines)
Bright * wine is higher in acidity; it is mouth watering with clean flavors
Bold * wine is strong and intense with distinct aromas and flavors
Chewy * wine has high tannin and dries out the mouth
Clean * wine tastes fresh; there are no flaws in aroma or flavor
Coarse * wine has a texture of harsh tannin or bubbles (in sparkling wine)
Complex * wine is perfectly balanced and contains a variety of aromas and flavors; it makes you want to keep drinking (usually older wines)
Creamy * wine is heavier and smoother in body (almost always oaked)
Crisp * wine is refreshing and has perfect acidity (almost always white wines)
Decadent * wine has layers of flavor; the body is large and the texture is luxurious (like a rich dessert!)
Delicate * wine is light and subtle
Elegant * wine is gracefully balanced; it is not too bold or fruity
Fat * wine has a high alcohol content and has very low acid; it tastes concentrated (can become flabby)
Firm * wine has a balanced acid, alcohol, and tannin structure
Flabby * wine has too much alcohol and is lacking in acidity; there is not enough structure
Fresh * wine is clean and fruity; the acidity is perfectly balanced
Green * wine is sour or tart and sometimes has vegetal flavors (can be unripe, immature)
Harsh * wine has too much acid, alcohol, or tannin; it is not balanced
Hot * wine has too much alcohol (burning sensation)
Intense * wine is vibrant and aromatic (usually with good texture)
Jammy * wine has a concentrated or cooked fruity flavor (from ripe grapes)
Juicy * wine has a grape juice taste
Lively * wine is fresh, fruity, and bright
Long * wine has a lingering aftertaste
Lush * wine is soft and velvety; it is concentrated and rich in fruit
Mellow * wine tastes softer (can be sweet, fruity, or juicy)
Mild * wine is lacking character; it has simple characteristics and flavors
Oily * wine does not have enough acid; its texture is slippery
Powerful * wine has an abundance of acid, alcohol, and tannin (bigger than big)
Prickly * wine is very acidic and has a sharp mouth feel
Perfumed * wine has strong floral characteristics; it is fragrant (usually white wines)
Refreshing * wine is crisp and thirst quenching
Rich *wine is full and flavorful; it has ripe fruit and oak flavors (usually rounder)
Round * wine has a soft texture and smooth tannin; it is balanced and mature
Rustic * wine has woody and earthy flavors and is usually aged (less fruity flavors)
Sharp * wine tastes bitter and unpleasant
Silky * wine is creamy and velvety; it is easy to drink
Simple * wine lacks complexity; it has no specific flavors or characteristics
Smooth * wine has mild acidity and tannin; it is well balanced and easy to drink
Soft * wine is lighter; it has low acid and low tannin usually
Subtle * wine has little flavor; it has a light and delicate texture (still sophisticated)
Supple * wine is smooth and round; it has good body, tannin, and oak
Tannic * wine has firm or rough texture (dries out the mouth)
Tart * wine is sharp and acidic (usually unripe)
Thick * wine is rich and concentrated; it is usually low in acid
Thin * wine lacks body and structure, it is diluted (like water)
Tight * wine is too bitter; it has too much tannin and is not quite ready to drink (best to decant)
Velvety * wine is smooth and silky; it has rich flavors
Vibrant * wine has mouthwatering acidity; it is bright and alive
Zesty * wine has lively flavors; it tastes crisp with higher acidity
