Stepping into the world of wine can feel overwhelming at first, especially when faced with unfamiliar terminology and an endless variety of bottles. Whether you’re a wine expert or novice, understanding some key wine terms is a great way to start. So keep reading as we walk you through essential wine words and concepts to help you feel more confident when navigating wine lists, tastings, or conversations with fellow wine lovers.

The Basics: Types of Wine

Before diving into terminology, it’s important to know the main categories of wine:

• Red Wine: Made from red or black grapes, red wine gains its color from the grape skins during fermentation. Examples include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir.
• White Wine: Made primarily from white grapes (though some red grapes can be used without the skins), white wines are lighter and crisper. Popular varieties include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling.
• Rosé: A pink-hued wine made by limiting the contact time between the grape skins and juice. Rosé can range from dry to sweet.
• Sparkling Wine: Known for its bubbles, sparkling wine includes Champagne, Prosecco, and Cava.
• Dessert Wine: These are sweeter wines, often enjoyed with or as dessert, such as Port and Sauternes.

Wine Words You Should Know

Now that you’ve got the basics, here are some essential wine terms to familiarize yourself with:

1. Terroir: This French term refers to the unique combination of climate, soil, and geography that gives a wine its distinct character. Think of it as the wine’s sense of place.
2. Tannins: Found in red wines, tannins come from grape skins, seeds, and stems. They contribute to the wine’s structure and can create a drying sensation in your mouth. Wines like Cabernet Sauvignon are known for their strong tannins.
3. Body: Refers to the weight or mouthfeel of the wine. Wines can be light-bodied (like Pinot Grigio), medium-bodied (like Merlot), or full-bodied (like Syrah).
4. Acidity: Acidity gives wine its crispness and liveliness. High-acid wines, like Sauvignon Blanc, often taste zesty and refreshing.
5. Dry: A wine is considered dry when it contains little to no residual sugar. Most table wines are dry unless labeled otherwise.
6. Finish: This describes the taste that lingers in your mouth after swallowing wine. A wine with a long finish is often considered high quality.
7. Decanting: The process of pouring wine into another container (like a decanter) to aerate it and remove sediment. This is common for older red wines or bold, young wines.
8. Legs: The streaks of wine that cling to the side of a glass after swirling. While often mistakenly associated with quality, legs are simply an indicator of alcohol and sugar content.

Basic Wine Etiquette

Understanding wine is just part of the journey—how you engage with it can make the experience more enjoyable:

• Serving Temperature: Serve white wines chilled (45-50°F) and red wines slightly below room temperature (55-65°F).
• Glassware: Use a larger bowl for red wines to allow aeration, and a smaller bowl for white wines to preserve their crispness.
• Swirling and Sniffing: Swirl the wine in your glass to release its aromas, then take a sniff before tasting to fully experience its bouquet.

Wine doesn’t have to be intimidating. With these basic terms and tips, you’ll feel more equipped to explore and enjoy everything the world of wine has to offer. Remember, the best wine is the one you enjoy drinking—so sip, savor, and celebrate the journey. And stay tuned for part two where we do a deeper dive into wine words.