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The redwinebuzz.com glossary compiles commonly occurring wine tasting jargon as well as terminology unique to the world of wine. This includes terms relevant to growing and production of wine. Where possible, we also provide a guide to pronouncing these names. See our Pronunciation Guide for an explanation of the notation. Browsing the glossary can be very informative. At redwinebuzz.com we firmly believe that even casual perusing of the material can be an active learning process. |
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Napa (Napa Valley): (AVA) A leading wine growing region in Northern California. Part of the larger North Coast AVA, between the Mayacamas and Vaca mountains. 30 miles long and five miles wide, it includes a number of AVAs: Atlas Peak, Carneros, Chiles Valley, Diamond Mountain District, Howell Mountain, Mount Veeder, Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, Oakville, Rutherford, Spring Mountain District, St. Helena, Stags Leap, Wild Horse Valley, Yountville. More
Neutral Oak: Refers to oak barrels that have been used to age wine repeated times and no longer impart any significant flavors to wines. After several years (typically at least three) of aging wine, an oak barrel's ability to impart its characteristic flavors onto a wine diminishes significantly. Its tannins wane and dissipate to a point when the barrel contributes less and less with each successive vintage (much like a tea bag that has been sued repeatedly). At that point, the barrel is said to be neutral. Some have attempted to have the barrels re-toasted and shaved - a process that is cost prohibitive for many. The pitfall of neutral barrels is that, with time, the pores of the barrel become closed up. The micro-oxidation effect made possible by the pores no longer occurs at this point. As a result, bacteria flourish in the barrels and taint all the wine that passes through the barrels. Keeping a barrel clean, healthy and sweet, is a task that requires skill and diligence.
New Oak: Used in reference to oak barrels being used to age wine for the first time.
New World: Refers to wines made in countries outside of Europe such as those in North and South America, Australia and New Zealand. Wine making countries are categorized either as New or Old World, with the latter countries being European. The distinction is sometimes blurry as assignment to New or Old World is based on geography, traditions, wine growing techniques and approach to wine making techniques. While the Californian wine makers rose to prominence by applying scientific methods, Old World wine makers have taken on these techniques and thus the distinction based on methodology is not clear. Similarly, South African wine makers have a long wine making tradition, but are not making wine in Europe. See also: ‘Old World’.
Noble Rot: A fungal infection caused by Botrytis cinerea. Under alternating conditions of damp, misty mornings and warm, sunny afternoons the fungus infests the grapes, leaving them shriveled, dehydrated, and super-concentrated. In addition, there are unique flavors which are extracted from Botrytis during wine production. Noble Rot is essential to sweet wines produced in Sauternes, Tokaji (Tokay), Germany and Austria. In conditions of constant dampness and low temperatures, Botrytis cinerea results in Grey Rot.
North Coast: (AVA). A large wine growing region in Northern California encompassing more than 80 AVAs spanning the spectrum in size: from very large to no bigger than a single vineyard. It covers all the counties north of San Francisco, namely: Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Sonoma, and Solano. The climate is cool due to coastal air and fog from the Pacific Ocean. Annual rainfall is significantly higher than in central California. Such conditions are optimal for premium grapes: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. More.
Nose: (tasting term). Refers to the general smell and aroma of a wine and includes aroma and bouquet.
Nutty: (tasting term). A toasty aroma or flavor reminiscent of nuts and typical of oxidized wines. Usually considered a flaw, unless resembling an oaky flavor at which time it is a desirable characteristic.
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