Glossary
Select a letter from the list below to view
other definitions.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W
fat
When the Rhône has an exceptionally hot year for its crop and the wines attain a super sort of maturity, they are often quite rich and concentrated, with low to average acidity. Often such wines are said to be fat, which is a prized commodity. If they become too fat, that is a flaw and they are then called flabby. |
fermentation
The anaerobic conversion of sugar to carbon dioxide and alcohol by yeast. |
flabby
A wine that is too fat or obese is a flabby wine. Flabby wines lack structure and are heavy to taste. |
fleshy
Fleshy is a synonym for chewy, meaty, or beefy. It denotes that the wine has a lot of body, alcohol, and extract, and usually a high glycerin content. Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Hermitage are particularly fleshy wines. |
floral
Wines made from the Muscat or Viognier grape have a flowery component, and occasionally a red wine will have a floral scent. |
focused
Both a fine wine's bouquet and flavor should be focused. Focused simply means that the scents, aromas, and flavors are precise and clearly delineated. If they are not, the wine is like an out-of-focus picture-diffuse, hazy, and possibly problematic. |
forward
A wine is said to be forward when its charm and character are fully revealed. While it may not be fully mature yet, a forward wine is generally quite enjoyable and drinkable. Forward is the opposite of backward. Accessible is a synonym for forward. |
foudre
Large oak barrels that vary enormously in size but are significantly larger than the normal oak barrel used in Bordeaux or the piece used in Burgundy. They are widely used in the Rhône Valley. |
fresh
Freshness in both young and old wines is a welcome and pleasing component. A wine is said to be fresh when it is lively and cleanly made. The opposite of fresh is stale. fruity: A very good wine should have enough concentration of fruit so that it can be said to be fruity. Fortunately, the best wines will have more than just a fruity personality. |
full-bodied
Wines rich in extract, alcohol, and glycerin are full-bodied wines. Most Rhône wines are full-bodied. |
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