Wine Tasting Terms Explained: Tannin, Body, and Terroir

Tap a term to see what it means.

Tannin

A compound drawn from grape skins, seeds, and oak barrels that gives wine a dry, gripping sensation in the mouth. It is especially noticeable in red wines.

Body

The sense of weight and richness a wine has in the mouth, ranging from light-bodied to full-bodied.

Finish

The length and character of flavor that lingers in your mouth after swallowing — a longer finish is often, though not always, associated with higher-quality wine.

Terroir

A French term for the total environment a grape grows in — soil, climate, and terrain — and the unique influence that environment has on a wine's flavor.

Vintage

The year the grapes used in a wine were harvested. Weather varies year to year, so even wine from the same producer can taste different across vintages.

Acidity

The element behind a wine's crisp, fresh character — higher acidity gives a lively, mouth-watering quality.

Decanting

Pouring wine into a separate container to expose it to air, which opens up and enhances its aroma.

Legs (Tears)

The streaks of liquid that run down the inside of a glass after swirling, generally thought to relate to a wine's alcohol content and sugar level.

Oaky

A term describing flavors like vanilla, smoke, and caramel that develop during aging in oak barrels.

Knowing the Vocabulary Makes Tasting More Enjoyable

Once you understand what terms on a wine list or from a sommelier's description actually mean, you can go beyond simply saying a wine "tastes good" and start understanding why it tastes the way it does — which makes the whole experience much richer.

Curious About Non-Alcoholic Options?

If you are looking for a drink that still feels special without the alcohol, it is worth exploring mocktail recipes as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does more tannin always mean a better wine?

No — tannin level is not directly tied to quality. It is more a matter of wine style and personal preference.

Does an older vintage always mean a better wine?

No. Not every wine improves with long aging, and the ideal aging window varies a lot depending on the type of wine.