Sip Smarter: A Friendly Guide to Wine Lingo
Ever had someone call a wine “bold” or “earthy” and you just nodded like you totally knew what they meant? Same.
Don’t stress — we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re swirling, sniffing, or just here for the sip, this is your no-fuss, no-snobbery guide to what all those wine words actually mean..
Wine Word Levels
Each term has a sip-level to show how common or fancy it is:
●○○ = Everyday/common word
●●○ = Intermediate/learned word
●●● = Advanced wine nerd word
●○○ Bold
Big flavor, full body, strong presence.
Example Wines: Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, Argentinian Malbec
●○○ Dry
Not sweet — crisp and clean finish.
Example Wines: Sancerre (Sauvignon Blanc), Brut Champagne
●○○ Tannic
Mouth-drying grip from grape skins and seeds.
Example Wines: Barolo (Nebbiolo), Bordeaux blends
●○○ Crisp
Fresh, zippy, mouthwatering acidity.
Example Wines: Albariño (Spain), Pinot Grigio (Italy)
●○○ Fruity
Smells or tastes like fruit (not necessarily sweet).
Example Wines: Zinfandel (California), Grenache Rosé
●●○ Oaky
Vanilla, toast, smoke flavors from oak barrels.
Example Wines: California Chardonnay, Rioja Reserva
●●○ Earthy
Flavors that remind you of soil, mushrooms, wet leaves.
Example Wines: Burgundy Pinot Noir, Chianti Classico
●○○ Smooth
Soft texture, easy-drinking, nothing harsh.
Example Wines: Merlot (Washington State), Pinot Noir (California)
●○○ Bright
Lively, energetic acidity that pops.
Example Wines: Sauvignon Blanc (Loire), Vinho Verde (Portugal)
●○○ Juicy
Lush, mouthwatering ripe fruit flavors.
Example Wines: Beaujolais (Gamay), Shiraz (Australia)
●●○ Minerality
Flavors reminiscent of stones, chalk, or wet rock.
Example Wines: Chablis (Chardonnay), Albariño
●●○ Structured
A wine with strong balance and framework (tannins, acid, body).
Example Wines: Bordeaux blends, Barolo
●●○ Chewy
So much texture you almost “chew” the wine.
Example Wines: Petite Sirah, Tannat
●●○ Aromatic
Explosively fragrant wines, often floral or spicy.
Example Wines: Gewürztraminer, Muscat
●●○ Savory
Less fruity, more herbal, meaty, spicy, or salty.
Example Wines: Syrah (Northern Rhône), Sangiovese
●●● Jammy
Intensely ripe, sweet, concentrated berry flavors.
Example Wines: California Zinfandel, Shiraz (Australia)
●●○ Lean
Light-bodied, tight, crisp — opposite of plush.
Example Wines: Loire Valley Cabernet Franc, Grüner Veltliner
●●○ Flabby
Low acid, heavy and flat wine (usually undesirable).
Example Wines: Overripe Chardonnay, certain bulk reds
●●○ Grippy
Very strong tannins that cling to your gums.
Example Wines: Barolo (Nebbiolo), young Cabernet Sauvignon
●●● Perfumed
Highly fragrant, floral and elegant aromas.
Example Wines: Viognier, Riesling (Alsace)