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MAGAZINE - NOVEMBER 2013
or “mouthfeel”, overall balance, etc. Look for attributes
of taste, both desirable and undesirable, before you
make your evaluation about the wines ac-
ceptability an overall quality level.
Balance:
One of the most important qualities to look
for
in tasting wine is balance. Are all the components of
the wine in harmony? Your mouth, which is capable
of distinguishing sweet, sour, bitter, and salt, can also
judge the body or “weight” of a wine is it full-bod-
ied, medium-bodied, or light-bodied?
Sweetness is readily apparent in any wine that has
residual sugar.
The very slight amount of natural salts that might be
present in a wine are rarely, if ever, detectable.
If you taste bitterness, it usually means there is a higher
degree of tannin in the wine. Tannin, which comes from
grape skins and is an important part of red wine, has an
astringent, tart quality when the wine is young. As the
wine matures, the tannin lessens and the wine develops a
smoother, fuller taste.
Acidity is an important part of all wine and especially of
white wine. Too much acidity makes a wine taste tart and
unpleasant. Too little makes a wine taste flabby.
Finish:
Finish describes the taste remaining in your mouth af-
ter drinking wine. A big, heavy wine will be rich and
full-bodied. The taste will stay with you for some time
after swallowing. This is called a long finish.
Conversely, a young, light wine such as
a Mosel may have a delicate flavor that
fades readily.
Glossary of Wine Terms
Acidity:
Term used to indicate quality of tartness, sour-
ness, or sharpness to the taste, due to the presence
of agreeable fruit acids. Acid is perceived on the sides
of the tongue and most intently on the salivary glands.
White wines often have a citrus or green apple flavor to
acidity while red wine are more redolent of sour berries.
Aftertaste:
The taste sensation remaining in the mouth for a short
period of time immediately after wine is swallowed. Both
the character and length of the aftertaste may collectively
be described as “finish”. Wine can have textural, flavorful
or both elements on the finish.
Aperitif:
French word meaning “to open” which refers to wine and
other drinks taken before meals to stimulate the appetite.