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A lot of folks rely on reading wine descriptions to get an idea of what a wine will taste like. Wine writing is a business, and its job is to SELL wine, not to be honest or accurate. Below is a list of common wine descriptions and what they actually mean.
The WineFolly guide provides an excellent primer on wine descriptors, offering a palette of terms that can help you articulate your wine experiences. From ‘earthy’ to ‘jammy’, each descriptor is a brushstroke that adds detail and depth to the portrait of a wine.
- On The Nose / on The Palate
- Aromatic / Aromas
- Floral / Perfumed
- Ripe
- Fruity / Fruit-Forward
- Herbaceous
- Earthy / Mushroomy
“On the nose” is a fancy way of saying “the wine smells like” and “on the palate” is a less-definitive version “the wine tastes like.” “On the palate” also leaves the door open to talk about how a wine feels, since the sensation of a wine is just as important as the flavors it evokes.
Without smell, there is no taste, so it comes up often in wine. Aroma is a common term for the smells that waft out of a glass as you swirl it. Some wines are more aromatic than others. You might be able to smell a powerful Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon a few inches away, but to smell the aromas from Chardonnay you’ll likely have to stick your nos...
Floral and perfumed aromas are found in both red and white wines, and they are just what they sound like. Viognier is a classic example of a wine with white floral aromas—typically honeysuckle. Pinot Noir and well-crafted Bordeaux blends often have perfumes hinting at dried flowers, like roses and violets. Gewürztraminer is often considered a truly...
Ripeness refers to the intensity of the fruit flavor (more about that in a minute). Underripe is used for less rich fruit notes—think the green tartness of a young apple. Ripe (or even overripe) fruit aromas and flavors will be concentrated, bold, and unmistakable, like summer plums or blackberries.
If a wine is described as “fruity,” or “fruit-forward”, it means those qualities are what you’ll notice first. And though no fruit is actually added to any wine—beyond grapes—it’s true that various fruit aromas and flavors are detectable. Try this: pop open a bottle of red wine and give a glass to a friend and ask if they smell “red cherries,” and ...
Fruit aromas are they only ones you’ll find in wine. Herbaceous refers to green notes like bell peppers, asparagus, freshly cut grass, or herbs like rosemary, sage and thyme. Two classic examples are Loire Valley Cabernet Franc, which has aromas of green pepper, and New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, with its aromatic jalapeño and grassy character.
There’s no dirt or mushrooms in your wine, we promise. But these secondary aromas can exist alongside other notes. They can result from the winemaking process or because of the wine’s terroir (Learn more about terroir here.), and they can be an indicator of age. These might be aromas of dirt, the forest floor, various mushrooms or truffles. Check b...
Jul 5, 2023 · In this guide, we will delve into the world of Pinot Noir, exploring its history, characteristics, wine regions, tasting notes, food pairings, popular producers, aging potential, and debunking common myths.
Feb 23, 2022 · Learning a few wine terms can help you better understand the types of wine you love and discover future favorites. You're likely familiar with the common varietals—including cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, merlot, and syrah.
Jun 6, 2023 · Pinot Noir is a thin-skinned variety that makes wines of light color, light-to-medium body and alcohol, with high acidity, elegance and aromas of red fruits (cranberries, raspberries, red cherries) and mushrooms.
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Jul 16, 2024 · If you’re looking for a truly elegant wine, Pinot Noir is one of the best wines to try. Thanks to its unique flavours, aromas, and structure, it often stands head and shoulders above the rest. The flavours: Pinot Noir flavours tend to be mainly red fruits: cherries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, pomegranates, and currants.
