Welcome to the fascinating world of wine tasting! Whether you’re a novice wine lover or a seasoned enthusiast, understanding the language of wine tasting notes is an essential part of the journey. At James Charles Winery, we believe in making the complex world of wine approachable for everyone. So let’s dive into the vocabulary that will help you decipher wine tasting notes and enhance your wine appreciation experience.
Body: When we refer to a wine’s ‘body’, we’re talking about the weight and fullness of the wine in your mouth. Think about the difference between skim milk (light-bodied), whole milk (medium-bodied), and cream (full-bodied) to understand the concept.
Tannin: Tannins are naturally occurring compounds found in the grape skins, seeds, and stems. They contribute to the astringency, bitterness, and complexity of the wine. If you’ve ever experienced a drying sensation in your mouth after sipping wine, that’s the tannins at work.
Acidity: The acidity in wine is what gives it its tart and sour taste. In the right balance, acidity brings freshness and helps to enhance the wine’s flavors. High acidity makes a wine more crisp, while low acidity results in a richer, rounder taste.
Aroma/Bouquet: The ‘aroma’ of a wine refers to the scents that come from the grape variety itself and the fermentation process. The ‘bouquet,’ on the other hand, is the complex smells that develop as the wine ages. Descriptors can range from fruits, flowers, and herbs to spices, earth, and more.
Finish: The ‘finish’ is the impression a wine leaves in your mouth after swallowing. A long finish means the taste lingers, while a short finish indicates that the taste disappears quickly.
Flavor Profile: This term describes the main flavors you can identify in a wine, like red fruit, citrus, tropical fruit, butter, oak, etc. The flavor profile is heavily influenced by the grape variety, where it’s grown, and how it’s processed.
Vintage: The ‘vintage’ refers to the year the grapes were harvested. Variations in climate and weather from year to year can greatly affect the taste and quality of the wine.
Balance: When a wine is described as ‘balanced,’ it means the elements of sweetness, acidity, tannin, and alcohol are in harmony. No single element should overpower the others.
Now that you’re equipped with this newfound knowledge, why not put it to the test? Visit us at James Charles Winery for a tasting experience like no other, where you can try out your wine description skills. And remember, there’s no right or wrong when it comes to tasting notes. What’s most important is the joy you derive from savoring a great glass of wine. Cheers to your wine journey!
