Wine Glossary - G to L
From: Wine Taster's Glossary, Barbara Ensrud
August 1, 2011
G
Green
A wine made from unripe grapes that is tart and lacking fruit flavor.
Grip
Firmness of flavor and structure.
H
Hard
Stiff, with pronounced tannins; undeveloped.
Harmonious
All elements -- fruit, acid, tannin -- in perfect balance
Harsh
Rough, biting character from excessive tannin or acid.
Heady
High in alcohol, very full-bodied
Herbaceous
Aromas reminiscent of fresh grass or hay; grassy, as in certain Sauvignon Blancs; also the green pepper character of some Cabernets.
Herby
Reminiscent of herbs, such as mint, sage, thyme, or of eucalyptus.
Honest
Without flaws, typical and straightforward, simple but not great.
Honeyed
Smell or taste reminiscent of honey, characteristic of late-harvest wines affected by "noble rot" (Botrytis cinerea).
I
Intricate
Interweaving of subtle complexities of aroma and flavor.
L
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.
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