Wines Words

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

Plump

Said of a wine that is high in alcohol, but still soft.

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  • Passerillage

    A process in which grapes are air-dried and shriveled after harvest to increase their sugar concentration. This takes place in a dry, well-ventilated area in order to avoid spoilage.

  • Patch

    An area on or under the leaf (or leaf blade) with a color or nuance that can be seen by the naked eye.

  • Pentagonal

    A 5-sided geometrical leaf shape.

  • Petiolar point

    The point where the leaf blade is attached to the petiole.

  • Petiolar sinus

    The more or less deeply cut section between the lower lobes of the blade leaf and the petiole which links it to the shoot.

  • Petiole

    The stem linking the leaf blade to the shoot.

  • Petit verdot

    A grape variety sometimes blended with Cabernet and Merlot wines in the Bordeaux region.

  • Pineau d'Aunis

    A red variety grown in certain areas of the Loire Valley that produces wine with little color.

  • Pleasant

    Without flaws.

  • Pleasing

    Said of a wine with pleasant, unremarkable characteristics.

  • Plump

    Said of a wine that is high in alcohol, but still soft.

  • Poulsard

    This red variety, namely used in the Jura region, produces wines that have little color but are very delicate.

  • Powerful

    Said of a wine that is full-bodied, robust and generous, with a rich bouquet.

  • Primary fermentation

    Process that allows the grape juice to become wine as the yeasts transform its sugar into alcohol. CO2 is produced in the process.