Click here to see Wine Glossary: Part 1.
One of the things I love about wine is that there’s always something new to learn and discover about it – I guess this makes me an official wine geek. As a sommelier, I have the opportunity everyday to share this passion with other wine lovers and to help them build their own knowledge and enthusiasm. So, in keeping with the joy of learning theme, here are five more key wine terms that you can add to your personal wine vocabulary to continue your wine education.
Terroir: This is a French term that is used often when people discuss wine and while there is no actual English translation for it, we break it down to basically mean the soul of the place the wine comes from; meaning the sun, soil, wind, rain and temperature that create the specific environment that gives a wine a specific personality and flavour (in essence a wine’s thumbprint). This term is most commonly used in discussing wines from old world countries, especially the region of Burgundy, France.
Finish: The length of time that a wine’s flavour stays in your mouth after swallowing; sensation of flavours in your mouth and throat. (Your throat may also feel warm as you swallow the wine, as this is your body’s reaction to the alcohol – the more alcohol, the hotter your throat will feel. Remember, wine shouldn’t feel like Tequila)
Aromatic: A term used to describe how “loud” a wine speaks to your nose. Does it jump out of the glass at you or is it soft and kind of shy with its aromas?
Body/Weight: The way a wine feels in your mouth. Think of milk styles, from skim to heavy cream and then transfer that feeling onto your experience with the wine. Does it feel light and watery or thick and full? This is very important when pairing food and wine together as you should always try to match the weight of one with the other so that one does not get overshadowed.
Flight: A term used to describe a grouping of wines at a wine tasting. A flight will be arranged in a special order so that your palate will be able to experience it to its fullest potential. It is important to know that when you drink for pleasure your glass will be placed on your right side, but when we drink for work we start from the left and work our way to the right – insider tip.
Renowned as Western Canada's favourite sommelier and fast-becoming a national name, Erin Rosar is the creator of 'Wine in the Kitchen' and founder of WG Wines based in Calgary, where she goes by the alter ego of Wine Girl (WG). She’s also an instructor with the International Sommelier Guild and is a recognized sommelier with the Court of Masters Sommeliers out of London, England.
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