Taste Decoder

Wine words, in plain English.

Somebody said the wine is “flabby”? The label says “sur lie”? Look it up — 200+ terms decoded, no jargon in the definitions.

Storage and service

Ullage

The small space of air between the wine and the top of the bottle, also referred to as headspace. A significant ullage in an older bottle may indicate evaporation or a compromised seal and can affect wine quality.

Want it explained for your bottle? Ask Scott about “Ullage”.

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Cellaring The practice of storing wine, typically for a year or more, to allow it to devel… Flute A style of glassware commonly used for Champagne and sparkling wines, characteri… Ullage The small space of air between the wine and the top of the bottle, also referred…