In light of the approaching festive season of wining and dining, we’ve put together eight wine terms to have you sounding like a pro—or at the very least, sound like you know your stuff. You can thank us later.

#1 B O U Q U E T

Definition: The composition of flavors that is identified by aromas; divided into primary (fruit-based) and secondary (more developed) aromas.

How to use it: The bouquet is full of fruit.

#2 T A N N I N S

Definition: The texture of how the wine feels; how smooth or aggressive the wine feels.

How to use it: This wine has smooth tannins.

What it means: The wine has a smooth mouthfeel.

#3 V I S C O S I T Y

Definition: The extent to which a wine resists movement; the more resistance, the higher the viscosity, and vice versa.

How to use it: The viscosity of the wine is high.

What it means: The wine is full bodied.

#4 A C I D I T Y

Definition: The freshness of a wine judged by its sourness; the more sour a wine, the higher its acidity (and freshness).

How to use it: This wine has high acidity.

What it means: This wine is quite fresh.

#5 B O D Y

Definition: The weight of the wine linked to its alcohol percentage.

How to use it: This wine is full bodied.

What it means: This wine is dense and has a higher percentage of alcohol.

#6 S A L I N I T Y

Definition: The degree of saltiness of a wine; the saltier a wine, the higher its salinity, and vice versa.

How to use it: The wine has high salinity.

What it means: The wine is made of grapes that grow on ground with high mineral content.

#7 R E S I D U A L  S U G A R

Definition: The amount of remaining sugar in a wine after fermentation, judged by its sweetness.

How to use it: There is high residual sugar in the wine.

What it means: The wine is sweet.

#8 F I N I S H

Definition: The duration that the flavors of a wine remain on the palate after tasting.

How to use it: This wine has a short finish.

What it means: The flavors of the wine dissipates quickly after tasting, and does not linger on the palate.

About the writer:
Mandy Lynn is a former I-S Magazine writer and current columnist at Nookmag; her dining and nightlife features are published in Men’s Folio, Singapore Tatler Dining and The Drinks Business, amongst others. For bite-sized food recommendations, follow her on Instagram and Facebook, or join her Gourmet Adventures to keep up with the latest dining and nightlife news.