Wine enthusiasts often find themselves in social situations where they want to impress others with their knowledge.
You might think you’re sounding sophisticated, but there are common pitfalls that can make you seem less knowledgeable than you’d like.
Avoiding these mistakes can help you navigate wine conversations more confidently and authentically. By understanding what not to do, you’ll be better equipped to appreciate and discuss wine without falling into common traps.
Let’s explore some of the biggest errors people make when trying to sound wine-smart.
1) Mispronouncing ‘sommelier’ as ‘somm-uh-lee-er’ instead of ‘suh-mel-yay’
Trying to impress your dining companions with your wine knowledge? Watch out for this common pitfall: butchering the pronunciation of “sommelier.”
Many people mistakenly say “somm-uh-lee-er,” adding an extra syllable and misplacing the stress.
This mispronunciation can quickly expose your lack of wine expertise.
The correct way to say it is “suh-mel-yay.” Notice how the emphasis falls on the first syllable, with a slight “yay” sound at the end.
It’s a French word, after all.
Mastering this pronunciation can help you sound more knowledgeable when discussing wine or interacting with restaurant staff.
It shows you’ve taken the time to learn the proper terminology.
Remember, a sommelier is a trained wine professional who can guide you through a restaurant’s wine list.
By pronouncing their title correctly, you’re showing respect for their expertise.
Practice saying “suh-mel-yay” a few times before your next fancy dinner.
You’ll feel more confident and avoid any awkward moments when ordering that perfect bottle of wine.
2) Confusing Old World wines with New World wines in casual conversation
Mixing up Old World and New World wines can make you sound less knowledgeable than you’d like.
Old World wines come from traditional European wine regions, while New World wines are from newer wine-producing areas like the Americas and Australia.
Old World wines often focus on terroir and tradition.
They tend to have lighter body, higher acidity, and more subtle fruit flavors.
Think of classic French Bordeaux or Italian Chianti.
New World wines typically showcase bolder fruit flavors and higher alcohol content.
They’re often more experimental in style.
California Cabernet Sauvignon or Australian Shiraz are good examples.
Casually tossing these terms around without understanding the differences can lead to awkward moments.
You might praise the “Old World charm” of a fruity California Zinfandel or comment on the “New World boldness” of a restrained French Burgundy.
To avoid this mistake, familiarize yourself with key wine regions and their typical styles.
Pay attention to the origin of the wine you’re drinking.
With practice, you’ll start recognizing the characteristics that set Old and New World wines apart.
3) Describing every wine as either ‘oaky’ or ‘fruity’ without nuance
Wine descriptions go far beyond simple ‘oaky’ or ‘fruity’ labels.
While these terms can be useful starting points, relying on them exclusively oversimplifies the complex world of wine.
When you describe a wine as just ‘oaky,’ you’re missing out on the specific nuances oak aging can impart.
Oak can add notes of vanilla, spice, or even coconut to white wines.
In reds, it might contribute baking spice or dill flavors.
Similarly, calling a wine ‘fruity’ doesn’t do justice to the wide range of fruit characteristics possible.
Is it citrusy? Berry-like? Tropical? Each of these brings a different dimension to the wine’s profile.
Instead of broad generalizations, try to identify specific flavors and aromas.
Does the wine remind you of green apples, lemon zest, or ripe blackberries? These precise descriptions paint a much clearer picture of the wine’s character.
Don’t forget about other important aspects like acidity, tannins, and mouthfeel.
A wine might be described as racy, silky, or full-bodied, adding depth to your tasting notes.
4) Claiming that all Merlots are inferior due to the movie ‘Sideways’
You might have heard someone dismiss Merlot because of a line from the 2004 movie ‘Sideways’.
In the film, the main character famously expresses his dislike for this wine varietal.
But don’t let a fictional character’s opinion sway your wine choices.
The so-called “Sideways Effect” on Merlot sales was actually quite minimal, according to detailed analysis.
Many excellent Merlots exist, and wine experts continue to praise high-quality bottles.
Some wineries even defied the trend and continued producing outstanding Merlots.
Remember, wine preferences are subjective.
Dismissing an entire varietal based on a movie quote isn’t a sign of wine knowledge.
Instead, it reveals a lack of understanding about the diversity within wine categories.
Try exploring different Merlots from various regions.
You might be surprised by the range of flavors and styles available.
Keep an open mind and trust your own palate rather than relying on popular culture references to guide your wine choices.
5) Mixing up tannins with acidity when talking about wine structure
Tannins and acidity are two key elements in wine, but they’re often confused.
You might think you’re impressing others by mentioning these terms, but mixing them up can quickly reveal your lack of knowledge.
Tannins are compounds found primarily in red wines.
They create a dry, astringent sensation in your mouth, similar to the feeling you get from strong black tea.
Tannins come mainly from grape skins and contribute to a wine’s texture and aging potential.
Acidity, on the other hand, is present in all wines.
It’s what gives wine its crisp, refreshing quality.
You’ll notice acidity as a tart or sour taste, like biting into a green apple.
It helps balance sweetness and enhances a wine’s overall flavor profile.
Understanding the difference between these two elements is crucial.
Tannins are about texture and mouthfeel, while acidity is about taste and balance.
By keeping these distinctions clear, you’ll sound much more knowledgeable when discussing wine structure.
Remember, both tannins and acidity play important roles in a wine’s structure.
They work together with other components like alcohol and sweetness to create a well-balanced wine.
Knowing how to identify and describe each element separately will greatly improve your wine conversations.
Understanding Wine Jargon
Wine terminology can be intimidating, but mastering a few key terms will boost your confidence.
Knowing how to properly discuss wine regions adds depth to your conversations.
Commonly Misused Terms
“Dry” doesn’t mean a wine lacks flavor – it indicates low sugar content.
Many people confuse “tannic” with “dry.” Tannins create a mouth-drying sensation but aren’t related to sweetness.
“Legs” or “tears” on a glass don’t indicate quality.
They simply show alcohol content.
Higher alcohol wines leave more pronounced streaks.
“Oaky” isn’t always positive.
It describes flavors imparted by oak aging, like vanilla or toast.
Too much can overpower the wine’s natural characteristics.
Avoid calling wines “sweet” unless they truly are.
Many fruity wines are actually dry.
Try “fruit-forward” instead to describe ripe fruit flavors in dry wines.
How To Talk About Wine Regions
When discussing wine regions, focus on climate and signature grapes.
Bordeaux is known for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends, thriving in its maritime climate.
Burgundy specializes in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, benefiting from cool temperatures and limestone soils.
Mention how this impacts the wines’ elegance and acidity.
For New World regions, highlight their unique qualities.
California’s Napa Valley is warm and sunny, producing bold, ripe Cabernets.
Australia’s Barossa Valley is known for rich Shiraz.
Don’t just name-drop regions.
Share a brief fact about each to show deeper knowledge.
For example, “I love Chianti’s food-friendly acidity, thanks to Tuscany’s high-altitude vineyards.”
Wine Tasting Basics
Understanding key aspects of wine tasting can help you appreciate and discuss wines more confidently.
Recognizing the difference between aroma and bouquet, as well as identifying tannins and acidity, are essential skills for any wine enthusiast.
Difference Between Aroma and Bouquet
Aroma refers to the scents derived from the grape variety, while bouquet encompasses the complex fragrances that develop during aging.
Young wines primarily exhibit aromas, often fruity or floral.
As wines age, they develop a bouquet with nuanced notes like leather, tobacco, or earth.
To distinguish between aroma and bouquet:
- Swirl the wine gently and take a quick sniff for primary aromas
- Let the wine settle, then smell again for deeper bouquet notes
Practice this technique with different wines to train your nose.
Remember, there’s no wrong answer – trust your senses and have fun exploring the scents.
Identifying Tannins and Acidity
Tannins create a dry, astringent sensation in your mouth, often described as grippy or puckering.
They’re more prominent in red wines.
To identify tannins:
- Take a sip and let it coat your mouth
- Pay attention to the drying feeling on your gums and cheeks
Acidity gives wine its refreshing quality and brightness.
To assess acidity:
- Notice how much your mouth waters after swallowing
- A more tart sensation indicates higher acidity
Try comparing a Cabernet Sauvignon with a Pinot Noir to feel the difference.
For acidity, contrast a crisp Sauvignon Blanc with a buttery Chardonnay.
