Wines Words

A concise dictionary of wine-related terms for enthusiasts and lovers of all things enological

Maturation

Operations that begin after malolactic fermentation and when the wine is bottled. Maturation is designed to stabilize the wine, clarify it and encourage the creation of more complex aromas that increase the quality of the wine. This maturation, which occurs in a vat or barrel, must be distinguished from bottle maturation, during which the wine continues to evolve and produce new aromas once it has been bottled.

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  • Macabeu

    A white grape variety from Roussillon. It produces wines that are pleasant when young, with a touch of acidity and pineapple and apricot aromas.

  • Maceration

    Stage of red wine production in which the solid parts of the grape are in contact with the juice to impart their aromas, color and tannins.

  • Madeirized

    Said of a white wine that develops an amber color and oxidized flavor when aged that is reminiscent of Madeira. A madeirized wine is past its prime and considered to be defective.

  • Malolactic fermentation

    The transformation of malic acid into lactic acid and CO2, a process that makes a wine less acidic. Lactobacteria perform this operation.

  • Masculine

    Said of a wine that is robust, full-bodied and powerful.

  • Maturation

    Operations that begin after malolactic fermentation and when the wine is bottled. Maturation is designed to stabilize the wine, clarify it and encourage the creation of more complex aromas that increase the quality of the wine. This maturation, which occurs in a vat or barrel, must be distinguished from bottle maturation, during which the wine continues to evolve and produce new aromas once it has been bottled.

  • Mellow

    Said of a wine, especially an older wine, in which the different characteristics blend harmoniously together to form a homogenous whole. A mellow wine is automatically well balanced, which can make tasting very difficult. It is so pleasant that it is hard to distinguish the individual aromas.

  • Melon

    Name of a Burgundy grape variety that took on the name “Muscadet” in the region near Nantes. Produces white wines that are pleasant to drink when young, or after being aged on lees.

  • Mildew

    Disease caused by a parasitic fungus that attacks the foliage and stems of the grapevines.

  • Mondeuse

    A red grape variety from Savoy and Dauphiné that produces colorful, powerful, fruity, spicy wine that can be kept for around five years.

  • Mouthfeel

    Term describing all of the characteristics percieved in the mouth. They are generally tactile sensations (temperature, acidity, astringency, bitterness, saltiness, sweetness and so on) the make up a wine's balance.

  • Muscadelle

    White variety grown in Bordeaux that is often blended with Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. It is susceptible to disease, but produces a sought-after wine with complex aromas if yields are kept low.

  • Muscaty

    Said of an odor that evokes musk, often found in the bottle bouquets of some Vins Doux Naturels that are made from Muscat, a highly aromatic variety.

  • Musky

    Describes an odor reminiscent of musk. It is found in the bouquets of ageing red wines.

  • Must

    The sweet pulpy liquid extracted from the grape once the stems have been stripped away.