Wines Words
A concise dictionary of wine-related terms for enthusiasts and lovers of all things enological
Vins de pays
Designates wines with a Protected Geographical Indication (IGP - a regional notion). A Vin de Pays must come only from the region it is named after. It must meet production criteria that are set by decree.
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Variety
Type of grapevine planted. There are innumerable varieties created by evolution and natural selection. Winemakers have chosen to favor a select few, and these now represent 90% of today’s vineyards around the world. Most of these varieties, originally come from France.Vegan (Vin)
A wine is vegan if it does not contain any animal product. The winemaker then uses a plant-based alternative for certain stages of the winemaking process.Vegetal
Said of a wine’s bouquet or aromas, mainly when the wine is young, that are reminiscent of grass or vegetation.Vein
The branched, projecting thread in the leaf blade that brings sap to the leaf.Venison
Element of a wine’s bouquet that evokes large wild game.Vin De France
An official European denomination that since 2009 has designated wines from a specific country (e.g. Vin De France) without indicating the precise geographical are it was produced. These wines are subject to a set of quality criteria and the vintage and grape variety may be mentioned on the label.Vine shoot
The grapevine's growth for a particular year that is pruned during the winter.Vins de pays
Designates wines with a Protected Geographical Indication (IGP - a regional notion). A Vin de Pays must come only from the region it is named after. It must meet production criteria that are set by decree.Vintage
Year in which a wine is harvested.Vitis vinifera
Scientific name for winegrowing grapevines.Volume
Characteristic of a wine that makes it seem full on the palate.