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.
Tasting terms
Length
A tasting term describing how long the flavors and impressions of a wine persist in the mouth after swallowing. Wines with longer finish are generally considered higher in quality.
Want it explained for your bottle? Ask Scott about “Length”.
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Aftertaste
The taste or flavors that linger in the mouth after wine is swallowed. Also call…
Appearance
Refers to a wine's clarity and reflective quality when assessed visually. Common…
Earthy
A tasting descriptor for wines carrying aromas or flavors reminiscent of soil, e…
Elegant
A descriptive term for a balanced, refined, and harmonious wine. Generally used …
Full-bodied
A tasting term for a wine that feels rich and substantial in the mouth, often wi…
Hearty
A descriptive term for a wine that is full, warm, and robust, typically with hig…
Length
A tasting term describing how long the flavors and impressions of a wine persist…
Oaky
A tasting term used to describe flavors or aromas imparted to a wine by the oak …
Rich
A tasting term for a wine with a pronounced, fruit-forward character and a full,…