Understand Wine Terminology with Our Beginner’s Guide

You’re unwinding after a friendly match at the Padel Club, enjoying a glass of wine as the evening sun sets. You know it’s something special, but when it comes to describing it, wine terminology can sometimes feel a bit intimidating. This guide will help you decode those terms so that you can transform casual sips into moments of discovery.

In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the essential wine terminology you need to truly appreciate your wine. Uncork everything from flavours to the subtleties of mouthfeel and body. Why? So you can gain the confidence to select your perfect bottle and talk about it with ease.

Let’s explore the language of wine, and – who knows – you might just discover your new favourite bottle along the way…

What is Wine Terminology?

Wine terminology refers to the language used to describe a wine’s flavour, aroma, mouthfeel, and appearance. It’s the key to understanding the complexities that make each wine unique. With the right terms, you’ll feel more confident in selecting wines and describing them with ease.

Wine terminology isn’t just about describing what’s in the glass. It’s about connecting to the story of the wine, enhancing your overall experience. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to describe wine with confidence. From here, you can communicate your preferences and enjoy every glass to its fullest.

Tannins

Tannins are natural substances in grape skins, seeds, and stems. They give red wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, their dry and astringent taste. Tannins offer the wine structure and help it age, developing more complexity over time.

For our signature rosé, you won’t notice heavy tannins. Instead, our rosé offers a smooth, refreshing mouthfeel, ideal for moments spent with friends, whether on the terrace or by the beach.

Mouthfeel

Mouthfeel describes the texture of wine in your mouth. Is it smooth and silky, or crisp and refreshing? Lighter wines, like Pinot Grigio, have a delicate mouthfeel. Meanwhile, fuller-bodied wines, like Chardonnay, feel rounder and richer.

When you sip Après, you’ll experience a light, smooth mouthfeel that makes our wines perfect for any occasion. No matter whether you’re celebrating on a rooftop or relaxing by the water.

Dry vs. Sweet

Understanding the difference between dry and sweet wines is essential. Dry wines have little to no residual sugar, giving them a crisp, clean taste. Sweet wines, like Moscato, retain more sugar, creating a fruit-forward flavour.

Our rosé strikes the perfect balance with a crisp, dry finish, making it ideal for casual afternoons or sophisticated evenings.

Body

Body refers to the weight or fullness of the wine. A full-bodied wine, such as Malbec, feels rich and heavy, often with higher alcohol content. Alternatively, a light-bodied wine like Pinot Noir feels more delicate and smooth.

Our rosé is medium-bodied and offers a balanced richness. It’s perfect for both casual afternoons and celebratory moments without being overwhelming.

Finish

The finish is the lingering flavour you experience after swallowing. A long finish is often a sign of a high-quality wine, where the flavours evolve and stay with you. A short finish typically indicates a simpler wine.

With ours, you’ll notice the long, mineral-driven finish of our rosé. It’s what keeps many coming back for more and making each moment more memorable.

Acidity

Acidity adds the sharpness or freshness that you feel when tasting wine. It’s especially noticeable in wines from cooler regions or whites like Riesling. Acidity balances sweetness and boosts food pairings, notably with light dishes like salads or seafood.

Our rosé has perfectly balanced acidity. It provides a refreshing bite that pairs beautifully with everything from light salads to seafood dishes. So you can enhance your meal with every sip.

Understanding Wine Label Terms

When choosing a bottle of wine, the label provides valuable insight into the wine’s origin, grape variety, and quality. Grasping the terms on the label helps you pick the ideal bottle for any event with confidence.

Here’s a breakdown of the key elements you’ll find on wine labels:

Vintage

The vintage refers to the year the grapes were harvested. This indicates the wine’s age and gives you a sense of its flavour profile. A wine from a particularly hot year will often be richer and fruitier, while cooler years tend to produce more subtle, fresh wines. Understanding vintage allows you to choose wines that are either at their peak or ready for ageing.

Our Après Provence rosé comes from the 2024 vintage, ensuring it’s crafted from the finest grapes of that year. It offers a crisp, refreshing taste that captures the essence of Provence.

Varietal & Appellation

The varietal refers to the type of grape used, such as Grenache or Syrah. The appellation indicates the region where the wine was made. For example, AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) is a certification to look out for. It ensures the wine comes from a specific, protected region known for its unique characteristics.

Our rosé is made from Grenache and Syrah, two classic grape varieties from the Provence AOC region. This ensures our wines are vibrant, fresh, and aromatic, delivering an authentic taste of Provence.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

ABV measures the alcohol content of the wine, expressed as a percentage. Wines with a higher ABV, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, are usually more intense and full-bodied. In contrast, lower ABV wines, like our Provence rosé, are lighter and more refreshing.

Our rosé has a balanced ABV of 13%, offering a refreshing yet rich experience. This makes it perfect for both relaxed afternoon sipping and evening gatherings.

Wine Tasting Definitions for Beginners

As you begin tasting wine, you’ll encounter terms like fruity, oaky, and earthy to describe its flavours and aromas. These terms help you communicate your experience and make wine tasting more enjoyable.

Here’s a quick breakdown of these common descriptors:

Fruity

Fruity wines feature flavours of fresh fruit such as apple, berry, or citrus. They’re often light and refreshing, making them ideal for easy-to-drink wines like Sauvignon Blanc. This wine usually features flavours of green apple or grapefruit.

Oaky

Oaky wines are aged in oak barrels, which impart flavours like vanilla, butter, or smoke. Chardonnay may have buttery vanilla notes. Meanwhile, Cabernet Sauvignon often carries smoky, tobacco-like flavours. Oak ageing softens tannins, making the wine feel smoother and more complex.

Earthy

Earthy wines have flavours or aromas that remind you of soil, mushrooms, or forest floor. Common in Pinot Noir and older reds, earthy wines are more complex, evolving over time with deeper, grounded flavours.

Minerally

Minerally wines lack typical fruity or floral flavours, instead offering a taste of wet stones or minerals. These wines are subtle and often come from cooler areas like Chablis. There, the soil and climate have a big impact on the flavours.

Sip, Savour, & Speak the Language of Wine

Now that you know key wine terms, you can confidently describe what’s in your glass and elevate your wine experiences. Whether you’re on the terrace with our rosé or serving it at a dinner party, knowing terms like tannins, mouthfeel, and body makes each sip more enjoyable.

Wine terminology doesn’t just help you articulate your tasting experience. It also enhances enjoyment by revealing the distinct qualities of each wine. From the refreshing acidity of a crisp white to the rich mouthfeel of a full-bodied red, you’ll start to appreciate the nuances in every bottle. With your new wine vocabulary, you’re ready to explore and share your knowledge. So why not discover the flavours of Provence with us at Après Provence?

Taste the difference, and embrace the moments that matter most, with our rosé wine.