Common Wine Tasting Terms Explained

Picture this: You’re settling into a sun-drenched patio, surrounded by rolling hills of lush common-wine-tasting-terms-explained-for-real-peoplevines stretched out before you.

Your wine host, Logan, moves gracefully along the mahogany table your group is seated at and begins arranging a line of tasting glasses in front of each person. With a welcoming smile, he pauses at the first bottle, lifting it slightly so everyone can see the label.

As he begins to pour, the gentle hiss of wine filling the glass grabs your attention. "Notice the bright acidity in this Sauvignon Blanc. As it glides across your tongue, see if you can detect a hint of minerality," Logan says, his voice calm and inviting.

"I’ll give you a few minutes to enjoy the first wine, and then I’ll be back to hear your thoughts," he says casually, before smoothly pivoting and disappearing inside.

A moment of silence stretches. Panic flutters in your chest. You nudge your friend, whispering, “Umm… what the f*** did he just say?”

10 Common Wine Tasting Terms

We’re breaking down 10 common wine tasting terms you might hear at a vineyard or tasting room - in plain English - so you can better understand how they might be used, what they mean, and why they matter.

1. Acidity

"This Sauvignon Blanc has really bright acidity that makes it super refreshing."

Acidity is the zing that makes a wine feel lively instead of flat. Think of it like a splash of lemonade in your sip - it helps keep the wine crisp and fresh. Wines with higher acidity also tend to pair well with food, because they cut through richness and cleanse your palate.

2. Tannins

"This Cabernet has strong tannins that give it structure and a bold character."

Tannins are the dry, puckery part you notice in red wines - they’re more about sensation than taste. Think of the tight, slightly astringent feeling you get when sipping strong black tea or biting into a very firm apple. Tannins give the wine texture, add structure, and are part of what helps some reds get even better with age. Basically, tannins are the wine’s backbone - you feel them more than you taste them.

3. Body

"This Merlot has a full body, so it feels rich and velvety on the palate."

Body is how heavy or light the wine feels in your mouth. Light-bodied wines are airy and easygoing, medium-bodied are balanced, and full-bodied wines are rich and indulgent. Think of it like the difference between skim milk, whole milk, and cream—one feels delicate, the other feels luxurious.

4. Finish

"The finish on this Chardonnay is long and smooth, lingering with buttery notes."

Finish is how long the flavor hangs out after you swallow. A long, smooth finish usually means a wine is well-made. It’s kind of like the aftertaste of a really good dessert—you want it to stick around.

5. Legs

"Look at the legs on this glass—they’re thick and slow, hinting at a higher alcohol content."

Legs are the streaks that run down the inside of a glass after swirling. They don’t tell you much about taste, but they’re fun to notice and make you feel fancy while holding your glass. Slow legs = higher alcohol or sugar; fast legs = lighter wine.

6. Nose

"The nose on this Riesling is full of peach and floral aromas."

Nose is just a fancy way to say “smell.” Sniffing wine before sipping helps you catch fruity, floral, earthy, or spicy notes. Think of it like smelling cookies before you eat them—you get the first hint of what’s coming.

7. Dry

"This Sauvignon Blanc is dry, crisp, and not at all sweet."

Dry means little to no sugar. Dry wines feel crisp and refreshing, not sticky or sweet. Knowing whether a wine is dry helps you figure out if it matches your taste or pairs well with food.

8. Fruity

"This Zinfandel is really fruity, with flavors of strawberries and raspberries."

Fruity wines taste like real fruit—berries, apples, citrus, stone fruits. Fruity doesn’t always mean sweet; it just highlights the flavors you might recognize. Fruity notes make wines approachable and fun, especially for beginners.

9. Earthy / Minerality

"This Pinot Noir has earthy, mineral notes that remind you of forest floor and rocks."

Earthy or mineral flavors bring to mind soil, stones, mushrooms, or forests. These subtle flavors make a wine feel grounded and complex. If you’ve ever smelled a walk in the woods, you’re halfway to understanding earthy wines.

10. Bouquet

"The bouquet on this aged Bordeaux is complex, with hints of vanilla, oak, and cherries."

Bouquet is the fancy term for the aromas that develop as wine ages. Unlike the initial nose, the bouquet shows the wine’s depth and layers from time in barrels or bottles. A complex bouquet tells a story about the wine’s character.

Final Sip

You don’t need a diploma in sommelier-speak to enjoy wine. If it tastes good to you, you’re doing it right. And if all else fails, smile, nod, and say, “"It’s got great balance and a nice finish."

Have you come across a wine term you still don't quite understand? Drop it in the comments. I’ll Google it for us.