Vintner's Vocabulary

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Tannins

Cheek-drying, astringent phenolic compounds similar to stewed tea in effect on the palate which are found mainly in red wine and are derived from grape seeds, skins, and stems. Tannins act as a natural preservative, helping the development and, in the right proportion, balance of the wine.

Terroir

A French language term for all the characteristics of the vineyard site thought to be imparted to a particular wine. It is a term that includes geographic, geological, climatic and other attributes that can affect an area of growth as small as a few square meters.