Wines Words

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

Ripening

Transformation of the grape as it becomes higher in sugar and loses some of its acidity to become fully developed. This process begins after the color of the grapes changes. At this point the grapes are watched more carefully as they will determine the quality of the wine produced.

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  • Raw

    Said of a poor quality, overly astringent wine.

  • Reniform

    Kidney-shaped.

  • Rich

    Said of an intensely colored, generous and powerful wine that is also well balanced.

  • Ripening

    Transformation of the grape as it becomes higher in sugar and loses some of its acidity to become fully developed. This process begins after the color of the grapes changes. At this point the grapes are watched more carefully as they will determine the quality of the wine produced.

  • Robe

    A term often used to designate the color of a wine and its appearance.

  • Rootstock

    The rootstock is a vine variety resistant to phylloxera, adapted to the soil intended for planting and compatible with the grape variety that will be grafted on, the scion. It thus constitutes the buried part of the vine and serves as a support for the graft.

  • Round

    Said of a wine that is supple, soft and fleshy, creating a pleasant rounded sensation on the palate.