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Glossary of Wine Terms

You can browse our topics using the letters below, or search for a term.

WordSort Descending DescriptionSort Ascending
MustCrushed grapes about to go or going through fermentation.
MerlotA lauded red grape popular in Bordeaux and throughout the world; large amounts of Merlot exist in Italy, the United States, South America, and elsewhere.
MedocA section of Bordeaux on the west bank of the Gironde Estuary known for great red wines; Margaux, St.-Estephe, and Pauillac are three leading AOCs in the Medoc.
Malolactic FermentationA secondary fermentation, often occurring in barrels, whereby harsher malic acid is converted into creamier lactic acid.
MalbecA hearty red grape of French origin now exceedingly popular in Argentina.
MagnumA bottle equal to two regular 750 ml bottles.
MaderizedStemming from the word Madeira, this term means oxidization in a hot environment.
MadeiraA fortified wine that has been made on a Portuguese island off the coast of Morocco since the fifteenth century.
MacerationThe process of allowing grape juice and skins to ferment together, thereby imparting color, tannins, and aromas.
LoireA river in central France as well as a wine region famous for Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Franc.
LegsA term used to describe how wine sticks to the inside of a wineglass after drinking or swirling.
LeesHeavy sediment left in the barrel by fermenting wines; a combination of spent yeast cells and grape solids.
Late HarvestA term used to describe dessert wines made from grapes left on the vines for an extra long period, often until botrytis has set in.
LabruscaGrape types native to North America such as Concord and Catawba.
KosherA wine made according to strict Jewish rules under rabbinical supervision.
KabinettA German term for a wine of quality; usually the driest of Germanyis best Rieslings.
JeroboamAn oversized bottle equal to six regular 750 ml bottles.
Ice WineFrom the German eiswein, this is a wine made from frozen grapes; Germany, Austria and Canada are leading ice wine producers.
HybridThe genetic crossing of two or more grape types; common hybrids include Mueller-Thurgau and Bacchus
HollowA term used to describe a wine that doesnit have depth or body.
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