Sommelier 101: Wine Terms for Dummies
Hello, wine lovers! Welcome to Sommelier 101, your guide to the essential wine terms every budding sommelier and wine enthusiast should know. We know the terms of the Wine World are confusing and hard to pronounce in some cases. That’s why we’ve put this list together. If you love wine, we know you already know terms such as vineyard, cork, and corkscrew so they aren’t included. For some of us, uncorking the bottle is our favorite exercise, if you’re in that group then you’re definitely in the right place.
All Terms Sommelier
Sommelier (soh-muh-lyay):
A sommelier is a trained and knowledgeable wine professional, often working in fine-dining restaurants. They specialize in all aspects of wine service, including wine and food pairings, wine storage, and wine list management.
Sommelier’s Palate:
A sommelier’s palate refers to their ability to taste and identify the subtle nuances and complexities in wine. This skill is developed through extensive tasting and training.
Sommelier’s Service:
This term encompasses the various duties of a sommelier, including wine selection, wine list management, cellar organization, and providing guests with recommendations and education about wine.
Sommelier Certification:
Various organizations offer certification programs for sommeliers, such as the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS) and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET). These certifications are achieved through rigorous training and examinations.
L1 – L4 Sommelier Levels:
The Court of Master Sommeliers offers four levels of certification for sommeliers. Level 1 (Introductory Sommelier) introduces basic wine knowledge and service. Level 2 (Certified Sommelier) involves more advanced tasting, theory, and service skills. Level 3 (Advanced Sommelier) requires in-depth expertise and is highly challenging. Level 4 (Master Sommelier) is the pinnacle of the profession, requiring exceptional skill in all areas of wine service, tasting, and theory.
Blind Tasting:
This practice involves tasting wines without knowing their identity to eliminate bias. It is a valuable skill for sommeliers, helping them to hone their ability to discern and describe wines solely based on sensory experience.
Oenophile (ee-noh-file):
An oenophile is a wine lover or connoisseur. This term encompasses anyone with a passion for wine, from casual enthusiasts to serious collectors and experts. This is the category that most of us fall into. So next time you’re discussing hobbies you’ve got a brand new word for yourself that expresses your love for the art of wine.
Terms Relating to the Vineyard
Terroir (ter-wahr):
This French term refers to the unique combination of natural factors that affect the growth of grapevines, such as soil, climate, and topography. Terroir gives wines their distinctive character and is a crucial concept in understanding why wines from different regions taste different.
Appellation:
This term denotes the legally defined and protected geographical area where the grapes are grown. Appellations can range from broad regions to specific vineyards and are essential in understanding a wine’s origin and quality.
New World vs. Old World:
These terms refer to the geographical origin of the wine. Old World wines come from traditional wine-producing regions in Europe, while New World wines are from regions like the Americas, Australia, and South Africa. The terms also imply stylistic differences, with Old World wines often being more subtle and earthy, and New World wines being more bold and fruity.
Cru (kroo):
In French wine terminology, “cru” denotes a vineyard or group of vineyards recognized for their quality. The term can be found in classifications such as Grand Cru and Premier Cru, indicating the highest levels of distinction in regions like Burgundy and Bordeaux.
Noble Grapes:
These are the primary grape varieties traditionally used in the production of fine wines around the world. Examples include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling.
Varietal:
A varietal wine is made primarily from one type of grape. The term also refers to the specific grape variety itself. For example, a wine labeled as “Chardonnay” is made predominantly from Chardonnay grapes.
Terms Relating to Wine Processes
Malolactic Fermentation:
This secondary fermentation process converts the sharper malic acid in wine into softer lactic acid, giving the wine a creamier texture and reducing its acidity. It is commonly used in the production of certain white wines like Chardonnay.
Decanter:
A decanter is a vessel, typically made of glass, used to serve wine.
Decanting:
Decanting involves pouring wine from its bottle into another container to separate it from any sediment and to aerate it. This process can help enhance the wine’s aromas and flavors, especially in older red wines and some whites.
Aeration:
Aeration is the process of exposing wine to air to allow it to “breathe.” This can help to soften tannins and release more of the wine’s aromas and flavors. Aeration can be done through decanting or simply swirling the wine in a glass.
Terms Relating to the Wine in the Bottle
Vintage:
The vintage of a wine indicates the year the grapes were harvested. Some years produce better grapes than others due to varying weather conditions, so the vintage can significantly impact the quality of the wine.
Corked:
A wine is described as corked when it has been tainted by a faulty cork, resulting in an unpleasant musty aroma and taste. This flaw is caused by the presence of a chemical compound called TCA (trichloroanisole). How we’ve always described it is the smell of wet newspaper. It’s got that gritty, stuffy, stale odor that makes you think of your grandparent’s attic after it rained, and the roof definitely has a leak.
Cuvée (koo-vay):
This French term can refer to a specific blend or batch of wine. It is often used on labels to denote a special selection or blend that the winemaker considers particularly noteworthy.
Terms Relating to the Wine in the Glass
Leg (Tears):
The legs of a wine refer to the droplets that form on the inside of a wine glass after swirling. They can give an indication of the wine’s alcohol content and viscosity; higher alcohol content usually results in more pronounced legs.
Bouquet:
Often used interchangeably with “aroma,” the bouquet refers specifically to the complex scents that develop in a wine as it ages. These can include notes of fruits, flowers, spices, and other elements that contribute to a wine’s overall profile. Remember that scent is half of taste. Taking a big whiff from your glass will actually allow you to taste the wine better when you sip it.
Tannin:
Tannins are naturally occurring compounds found in grape skins, seeds, and stems. They add structure, complexity, and astringency to wine, particularly red wines. Tannins can cause a drying sensation in the mouth and are key to a wine’s aging potential. Consequently with red varietal grapes the longer the skins, seeds, and stems sit in the juice the darker the color of the wine.
Body:
The body of a wine refers to its weight and fullness on the palate. Wines can be light-bodied, medium-bodied, or full-bodied, depending on their alcohol content, tannins, and extract. Think of body as the “mouthfeel” of the wine.
Finish:
The finish of a wine is the lingering taste that remains after you swallow. A long, complex finish is often a sign of a high-quality wine, while a short finish may indicate a simpler wine. The finish can be fruity, spicy, or even earthy.
Drinking an Education
Understanding these key wine terms is the first step in your journey to becoming a knowledgeable wine enthusiast or sommelier. We celebrate the art of wine and invite you to drink an education with us. We’ve got many events that can help you expand your palate. There’s also our Cellar Society. A club filled with Oenophiles like you, who wish to enjoy good wine, good discounts, and invites to exclusive pairings. If you aren’t a member of our Cellar Society you can join now, and enjoy the rich tapestry of flavors that the world of wine has to offer. Sip, Smoke, Savor friends! See you soon!