Find a term by clicking on the appropriate letter.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y
Legs
The viscous rivulets that run down the side of the glass after swirling or sipping, a mingling of glycerin and alcohol.
Length
Lingering aftertaste.
Light
Refers to wines light in alcohol but also to texture and weight, how the wine feels in the mouth. Lightness is appropriate in some wines, a defect in others.
Lively
Crisp, fresh, having vitality.
Long
Fine wines should have a long finish, or aftertaste; see Length.
Luscious
Rich, opulent, and smooth; most often said of sweet wines but also intensely fruity ones.
Maderized
Wine that has oxidized; has brown or amber color and stale odor.
Mature
Fully developed, ready to drink.
Meaty
A wine with chewy, fleshy fruit; sturdy and firm in structure.
Mellow
Smooth and soft, with no harshness.
Moldy
Wines with the smell of mold or rot, usually from grapes affected by rot or from old moldy casks used for aging.
Muscular
Vigorous fruit, powerful body and flavor; robust.
Musty
Stale, dusty or rank aromas.
Noble
Great; of perfect balance and harmonious expression. The so-called "noble" grapes are those that produce the world's finest wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Riesling (some would also include Syrah, Nebbiolo and Sangiovese).
Nose
The smell of the wine; it may have a "good nose" or an "off-nose," meaning defective odors.
Nutty
Nutlike aromas that develop in certain wines, such as sherries or old white wines.