Mastering Washington Wine Tasting Terms: A Beginner’s Guide
Washington wine-tasting terms can be intimidating for newcomers to the world of wine. But understanding these descriptors is like learning a new language – one that allows you to fully appreciate the nuances and characteristics of Washington’s diverse wines. As you embark on your journey through Washington wine country, having a grasp of common tasting terms will enhance your experience and help you communicate what you’re sensing in each glass. Mastering Washington Wine Tasting Terms: A Beginner’s Guide starts with the basics to build our wine vocabulary.
Washington state produces a wide range of wines, from crisp Rieslings to bold Cabernet Sauvignons. Each varietal and style has its own set of descriptors that paint a picture of its aromas, flavors, and overall profile. By familiarizing yourself with these Washington wine tasting terms, you’ll be better equipped to describe what you like (or don’t like) about a wine and find new favorites.
The Foundation: Basic Wine Tasting Terms
Before diving into region-specific descriptors, it’s essential to understand some fundamental wine terms that are part of the wine-tasting vocabulary. These wine descriptions apply to wines from all wine regions, including Washington:
Aroma and Bouquet
The smell of a wine is crucial to its overall perception. Younger wines have “aromas” derived directly from the grapes, while aged wines develop a more complex “bouquet” from the winemaking and aging process.
Body
This refers to the weight and texture of the wine in your mouth. Wines can be light-bodied, medium-bodied, or full-bodied. Think of it like the difference between skim milk, whole milk, and cream.
Tannins
Tannins
Tannins in Wine Tannins in wine are phen... More create a drying sensation in the mouth, similar to strong black tea. They’re more prominent in red wines and contribute to a wine’s structure and aging potential.
Acidity
Acidity gives the wine its refreshing quality and makes your mouth water. It’s especially noticeable in Washington’s white wines, particularly Rieslings.
Washington Wine Tasting Terms: Red Wines
Washington is known for its robust red wines, particularly those that are made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. Here are some terms you might encounter when tasting Washington reds:
Bold
Many Washington reds, especially those from warmer regions like the Columbia Valley, are described as bold. This indicates a wine with intense flavors that is full-bodied.
Jammy
This term often applies to ripe, fruit-forward red wines. It suggests concentrated, almost candied fruit flavors are common in some Washington Syrahs and Merlots.
Structured
A structured wine has a good balance of tannins, acidity, and fruit. Many Washington Cabernet Sauvignons are praised for their structure, which allows them to age gracefully.
Herbaceous
Some Washington reds from cooler climates, in particular Cabernet Franc, may have herbaceous notes reminiscent of green bell pepper or fresh herbs.
Washington Wine Tasting Terms: White Wines
Washington’s white wines, from crisp Rieslings to rich Chardonnays, have their own set of descriptors:
Crisp
This term often applies to Washington’s high-acid white wines, like Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc. It indicates a refreshing, clean finish.
Mineral
Many Washington white wines, particularly those from rocky soils, have a distinct mineral quality. This can manifest as flinty or chalky notes.
Stone Fruit
Descriptors like peach, apricot, and nectarine are common for Washington’s aromatic white wines, especially Viognier and some Chardonnays.
Lees Influence
Some Washington Chardonnays are aged “on the lees,” meaning they remain in contact with dead yeast cells. This can impart creamy, bready notes to the wine.
Regional Characteristics in Washington Wine Tasting Terms
Washington’s diverse climate and soil types lead to regional differences in wine characteristics. Here’s a brief overview:
| Region | Common Descriptors | Notable Varietals |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia Valley | Ripe fruit, full-bodied, intense | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah |
| Yakima Valley | Balanced, aromatic, mineral | Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Walla Walla Valley | Earthy, structured, complex | Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot |
| Puget Sound | Crisp, light-bodied, high-acid | Pinot Noir, Madeline Angevine, Siegerrebe |
Advanced Washington Wine Tasting Terms
As you delve deeper into Washington wines, you may encounter more specific and advanced tasting terms:
Terroir-Driven
This term refers to wines that strongly reflect their place of origin. Many Washington winemakers strive to produce terroir-driven wines that showcase the unique characteristics of their vineyards.
Diurnal Shift
The large temperature difference between day and night in many Washington wine regions is called a diurnal shift. This contributes to wines with both ripe fruit flavors and refreshing acidity.
Reserve
While not legally defined in Washington, “Reserve” often indicates a winery’s top-tier wines, usually made from select grapes and given extra aging.
Old Vine
Some Washington vineyards have vines dating back to the 1970s or earlier. Wines from these “old vines” are often praised for their complexity and concentration.
Putting Washington Wine Tasting Terms into Practice
Now that you’re familiar with common Washington wine-tasting terms, it’s time to put them into practice. Here are some tips:
1. Start with a wine tasting flight to compare different wines side by side.
2. Take notes using the terms you’ve learned. Don’t worry about getting it “right” – wine tasting is subjective. 3. Attend tastings at Washington wineries. Many offer educational experiences where you can learn directly from winemakers. 4. Join a wine club or tasting group focused on Washington wines to expand your palate and vocabulary. 5. Remember, the best way to learn is through practice. The more wines you taste mindfully, the more comfortable you’ll become with these terms.
FAQs about Washington Wine-Tasting terms
What Are The 4 S’s Of Wine Tasting?
The 4 S’s of wine tasting are See, Swirl, Smell, and Sip. These steps help you fully evaluate a wine’s appearance, aroma, and taste.
What To Say At A Wine Tasting
At a wine tasting, you can use wine descriptions to describe the wine’s color
What role do Anthocyanins play in wine? ... More, aroma, taste, and overall impression using terms you’ve learned. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or share your honest opinions.
What Is The Word For Tasting Wine?
Tasting wine professionally is often called “wine evaluation” or simply “tasting.” The person who tastes wine professionally may be called a sommelier or wine taster.
What Are The P Words For Wine?
Common “p” words used in wine tasting include peppery, plummy, peachy, pungent, and persistent (referring to a long finish).
Conclusion
Understanding Washington wine tasting terms opens up a world of appreciation for the state’s diverse and high-quality wines. From the bold Cabernets of the Columbia Valley to the crisp Rieslings of the Yakima Valley, these descriptors help us articulate what makes Washington wines unique. Remember, the goal isn’t to memorize a list of terms but to use them to enhance your enjoyment and understanding of wine. So next time you’re wine tasting, whether in Washington or elsewhere, don’t be afraid to use these terms to describe what you’re experiencing. After all, the language of wine is meant to be shared, just like the wine itself.
