The wine has to have at least one name It could be the name of the producer or a made-up brand name P R O D U C E R Where the wine was produced A PP ELL AT IO N
The amount of wine in the bottle V O L UM E
V I N TA G E
The year in which the grapes were picked Its important because the climate of the year determines the general quality of wine
Why, hello there!
Welcome to my little wine shop! Its a pleasure to meet you How may I help? Oh this is your first time buying wine?
My name is William.
Not to worry my friend I’l tell you everything you need to know! Shall we beg n?
How to Read a Wine Label
Let’s start with this handy guide that familiarizes you with all the key aspects of purchasing wine
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Think of red wine as the confident friend who can’t help but steal the spotlight It’s made from dark grapes and gets its color from the grape skins Its flavors range from jammy fruits to earthy spices
Knowing these types gives you a solid starting point for exploring the wide world of wine!
A red grape wine processed like a white wine Its a wonderful combination of the richness of red wine with the crispness of white, perfect for summer Crisp and refreshing, White wine is made from green grapes or skinless red grapes Its lighter and tropical fruits
Graphic, symbol or logo of the wine producer
type of grapes or blend used to make the wine
is where wine starts sounding fancy!
A red grape known for its soft tannins and rich plum and cherry flavors
A delicate red grape producing light-bodied wines with red fruit and earthy notes
Those fancy-sounding words you see on the label are mostly kinds of grapes that are used for wine Here’s some popular ones you should know
A hardy red grape delivering bold, dark fruit flavors with peppery and smoky characteristics
These wines are rich, indulgent, satisfying and perfect for sipping slowly They’re produced by concentrating grape sugars through late harvesting No idea what those words mean? Don’t worry, we’ll get there! -w
Sparkling wine is like confetti in a glass, Although, careful not to just call everything champagne, though it only applies to a kind grown exclusively in France!
alcoholic strength is compulsory on all labels, and the average alcohol content of a bottle is 11–13%
A versatile white grape capable of producing crisp or rich, buttery wines
A green-skinned grape known for its vibrant acidity and herbaceous citrus flavors
In the world of wine, there are over 100 distinct aromas These aromas can be broadly categorized into groups such as fruits, plants like flowers and trees, herbs, spices, sweets, animal notes, minerals, and others Let s explore some examples of how these aromas are described
Rose, violet, jasmine, acacia, hawthorn, chamomile, & lilac
Rose, violet, jasmine, acacia, hawthorn, chamomile, & lilac
Lemon, orange, grapefruit, cherry, strawberry, raspberry, cassis, dark cherry, fig, mulberry, blueberry, passion fruit, pomegranate, mango, peach, pear, apple, apricot, nectarine, plum
Chalk, warm stones, iodine, gunpowder, flint
Lemongrass, elderflower, tobacco leaf, fern, mint,
caramel, chocolate, smoke, tar, toasted bread, praline, mocha
caramel, chocolate, smoke, tar, toasted bread, praline, mocha
Beeswax, tanned leather, fur, game meat
âteau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2016
âteau Léoville Las Cases 2014
Believe in what you see, what you smell, and what you taste There is no wrong answer!
Wine tasting involves observing the color, aroma, and flavor of wine to evaluate its characteristics and quality
Appearance
C O L O R Indicates the wine's age, grape variety, and potential flavor profile (e.g , fruitiness or earthiness)
You have come so far in your wine journey, and its almost time for us to part ways Let’s really let your new knowledge shine and become a wine critic yourself! Wine isn’t about getting everything perfect. It’s about enjoying the experience and being curious You don’t need to know all the terms or have the “right” words to appreciate what’s in your glass
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C LA R I T Y Reflects the wine's filtration level, quality, and potential faults like haze from improper storage
V I S C O S I T Y Suggests alcohol content and sweetness; thicker legs often mean higher alcohol or residual sugar
Wine legs, the trails that form and slowly glide down the inside of your glass, often capture attention and curiosity While they’re sometimes thought to indicate quality, these legs are simply a result of the wine’s alcohol and sugar content It’s a subtle, graceful moment that invites you to appreciate the wine’s unique composition These aromas develop as wine ages in vats or oak barrels, or in bottles Examples
These aromas come from the winemaking process Examples include vanilla spice, toasty notes from oak, and bread
TAN NI N Provides structure and texture, often described as drying or astringent; influences wine's aging potential
B O D Y Wine body is defined by the weight, texture, and richness A light-bodied wine will have a smooth, feather-light mouth feel, while a full-bodied wine will have a viscous, tenacious mouth feel
A CI D I T Y Contributes to freshness and balance; higher acidity makes the wine crisp and mouthwatering
L O N G
A finish that persists on the palate, indicating a complex, high-quality wine
A finish that fades quickly, often suggesting a simpler or less concentrated wine
Flavors remain subtly present, evolving over time for a more memorable tasting experience
Leaves the palate refreshed, with no heavy or lingering aftertastes
“This wine presents a shade with clarity Its legs are and , indicating a viscosity. . ” ( C O L O R ) ( D E F I N E D / U N D EF I N E D )
“This wine presents a brilliant ruby-red color with crystal-clear clarity Its legs are slow and defined, indicating a medium-to-high viscosity. This must be a young wine ”
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“On the nose, vibrant , and a hint of , complemented by a subtle layer of . ”
“On the nose, vibrant notes of ripe cherries, blackberries, and a hint of vanilla emerge, complemented by a subtle layer of earthy undertones and a whisper of baking spices ”
“The palate opens with , followed by . The wine is bodied with a and , mouth-feel ”
“The palate opens with juicy red fruits, predominantly raspberry and plum, followed by hints of dark chocolate and a touch of oak The wine is medium-bodied with a balanced acidity and silky tannins ”
Finish
“The finish is , leaving impressions of , with a , that . ” ( S H O R T / L O N G )
( A F TE R TA S T E )
“The finish is long and smooth, leaving a lingering impression of dried cranberries and a touch of cinnamon, with a pleasant, slightly tart aftertaste that invites another sip "