Unlock the secrets of wine terminology in a snap!
Every wine lover should familiarize themselves with these foundational terms to fully appreciate the nuances of wine. These introductory terms lay the groundwork for understanding and discussing wine with confidence.
There are currently 11 names in this directory beginning with the letter B.
B
Barbera
Barbera is a red grape variety widely grown in Italy, particularly in Piedmont. Barbera wines offer vibrant acidity, with flavors of red cherry, plum, and a touch of spice.
Barossa Valley, Australia
Barossa Valley is famous for its bold and full-bodied Shiraz wines. It also produces other varietals such as Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Riesling.
Barrel Aging
Barrel aging involves aging the wine in oak barrels. The oak imparts flavors, such as vanilla, spice, and toast, and allows for controlled oxidation and micro-oxygenation, which can enhance the wine’s complexity.
Blending
Blending involves combining wines made from different grape varieties, vineyard sites, or vintages. It allows winemakers to create a desired flavor profile, balance, and complexity in the final wine.
Body
Body refers to the weight, fullness, and viscosity of the wine on the palate. It can range from light-bodied (thin) to medium-bodied to full-bodied (rich and substantial).
Bordeaux, France
Bordeaux is renowned for its prestigious red wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends. It is known for its diverse terroir and classification system, producing wines of varying styles and quality.
Botrivier
Botrivier is a small wine region known for its cool climate and boutique wineries. It produces elegant Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc wines.
Bottelary Hills
Bottelary Hills is a sub-region of Stellenbosch, known for its red wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. It features hilly terrain and diverse soil types.
Bouquet
Bouquet refers to the complex aromas that develop in a wine with age, often resulting from the interaction of the wine with oxygen during aging. It can include secondary and tertiary aromas like nutty, toasty, or developed fruit notes.
Breedekloof
Breedekloof is known for its diverse range of wines, including Chenin Blanc, Shiraz, and Pinotage. It is characterized by its mountainous landscapes and Mediterranean climate.