Wine Words

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