beginner · Wine School
Wine Tasting Glossary
Decode the tasting-room vocabulary — body, tannin, acidity, finish and more — in plain language.
Tasting language can feel like a barrier, but the core terms are simple. Body describes the perceived weight and richness of a wine. Acidity is the fresh, mouth-watering zing. Tannin is the drying grip you feel in red wines. Each contributes to balance.
The finish is how long a wine's flavour lingers after you swallow — a hallmark of quality. Aromatic intensity and complexity (how many layers present themselves) round out professional assessment.
You don't need eloquence to taste well. Honest, observational notes are the most useful kind.
Body
Light, medium or full — how heavy the wine feels in your mouth.
Tannin & acidity
Tannin grips; acidity refreshes. Great wine balances fruit against both.