Learn about wine
N
negociant
French word describing a wholesale merchant, blender, or shipper of wine
NWS
The National Wine School.
noble rot
See “botrytis.”
nose
A tasting term describing the aromas and bouquets of a wine.
O
oak/oaky
Tasting term denoting smells and flavors of vanilla, baking spices, coconut, mocha, or dill caused by barrel-aging
oenology
The science of wine and winemaking
open
Tasting term signifying a wine that is ready to drink.
oxidation
Wine exposed to air that has undergone a chemical change
P
phenolic compounds
Natural compounds present in grape skins and seeds
phylloxera
A microscopic insect that kills grape vines by attacking their roots
plonk
British slang for inexpensive wine; also used to describe very low-quality wines