Let’s be real — sometimes the wine world can feel like a confusing TikTok trend. Half the time, it’s like they’re using fancy terms just to gatekeep the good stuff. Why all the drama? It’s just grapes.
But here’s the deal: Once you learn a few of the spicy buzzwords, you’ll be sipping and swirling like a true vino connoisseur (or at least faking it really well).
So buckle up! Here are some wine words you’ll definitely come across on your boozy adventures. Nail these, and you’ll be the one dropping pro knowledge at the wine bar.
1) Tannins
Okay, so we all know wine is made from grape juice (duh). But here’s the thing: with red wine, the juice hangs out with the grape skins, which give it color and something called tannins. Tannins are basically what give wine its vibe — body, structure, and sometimes that dry feeling (think unsweetened black tea, but make it wine). The tannins are an important component of a wine, alongside the acidity and alcohol. So yeah, definitely a big deal.
2) Mouthfeel
Remember when we just talked about tannins and how they give wine some oomph? Well, the way that oomph feels in your mouth is called — wait for it — mouthfeel. This super creative word covers how smooth, astringent, viscous, crisp, or tannic a wine feels when you sip it. If this all feels more complicated than keeping up with a Kardashian relationship timeline, don’t sweat it. No pop quizzes here.
3) Brut
Ever heard someone say, “I’ll have a brut,” and wondered if they’re ordering a wine or auditioning for a cologne commercial? This is just shorthand for sparkling wine, particularly Champagne. When making sparklers, winemakers have an option to add extra sugar, which makes it taste more or less sweet. When they add less sugar, it’s called “brut,” and the result is a crisp, refreshing sip. Basically, brut = bubbly without the sugar crash.
4) Terroir
If you ever want to sound fancy in a wine convo, drop the word "terroir." It comes from the French word for “land” or “earth.” Winemakers use terroir to describe all the different elements that can impact the grapes and the final wine — soil, weather, elevation, basically all the things. Every region has a unique terroir, which is why wine from Italy tastes different from, say, Californian wine.
5) Legs
Ever been told to check out the “legs” on your wine glass? No, it’s not a weird pick-up line — it’s just a term for those streaks that drip down the sides of the glass. They’re cool to look at, but don’t get too obsessed. The legs aren’t about the wine’s quality—they just tell you how viscous it is. Alcohol or sweetness can make a wine more viscous.
So, higher alcohol or sugar = thicker legs.
Planning to sip on your fave wine tonight? Drop a few of these words and watch your wine game level up. You’ll be sounding like a sommelier in no time.