GENERAL WINE TERMS
Other glossaries available here
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| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Apple, appley |
Tasting term used to indicate the lively fruity acidity of a young white. Bruised apple taste can indicate oxidation, in reds or whites. |
| Approved Viticultural Areas (AVAs) |
US appellation system, defining regions entitled to a geographical designation for their wines. |
| Are |
Unit of area, equal to 100m2. The hectare is 100 ares (2.47 acres), and most west European vineyards are measured in hectares. The decare (10 ares, or one-tenth of a hectare) is used in parts of Eastern Europe. |
| Aromatic |
Tasting term used to indicate a wine with a positive, agreeable smell. Also, a class of grapes (e.g. the Muscat family) which are particularly fragrant. |
| Ascorbic Acid |
Vitamin C. Sometimes added to white wines as a preservative. |
| Assemblage |
Blending of different vats, and sometimes different grape varieties. Also used to indicate the composition of such a blend. |
| Astringent |
Tasting term used to indicate a sharp bitterness. Usually a fault, a wine may become less astringent with ageing. |
| Asz |
Hungarian term, used on Tokaji labels, indicating that botrytis affected grapes were used. |
| Ausbruch |
Austrian sweet-wine category, coming between Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese in ripeness. |
| Auslese |
German quality white wine category, meaning selected harvest. Grapes are picked at least a week after Sptlese. Minimum must weights are laid down according to variety and region. Normally sweet. |
| Austere |
Tasting term, usually indicating a lack of richness or sweetness. |
| Autolysis |
Process whereby dead yeast cells break down, to give a biscuity flavour. Found especially in Champagne and other quality sparkling wines. |
| Autovinificator |
Fermentation vat, where the pumping over process is performed automatically, using the pressure of carbon dioxide gas generated during fermentation. Now largely replaced by the rotary fermenter. |
| AVA |
Approved Viticultural Areas (AVAs) US appellation system, defining regions entitled to a geographical designation for their wines. |
| Azienda Agricola |
Italian wine term, meaning wine estate, producing wine from its own grapes. |
