Wine Terms Explained (Minus the Jargon)

Tannins. Terroir. Finish. You’ve seen these words on wine labels and heard them at dinner parties. But what do they actually mean?

Here’s your no-nonsense guide:
Tannins - that drying sensation you feel on your gums after a red wine. More tannins = more structure. Think Barossa Shiraz vs a light Pinot Noir.

Terroir - French word, impossible to translate perfectly. Basically means “the taste of a place.” The soil, the climate, the altitude - all of it in your glass.

Finish - how long the taste lingers after you swallow. A long finish is a sign of quality. A great wine stays with you.

Body - how heavy the wine feels in your mouth. Full-bodied = rich and weighty. Light-bodied = delicate and fresh.

Dry - not sweet. Most table wines are dry. Don’t let the word confuse you.

Vintage - the year the grapes were harvested. Why does it matter? Because weather changes everything.

Now you’re ready. 🍷