For many wine lovers, reading a tasting note can feel like deciphering a foreign language. What does it mean when a wine has “silky tannins” or a “hint of graphite”? How can a wine be described as both “bold” and “elegant” at the same time? Understanding tasting notes not only enhances your wine knowledge but also helps you confidently choose bottles that match your palate.
In this guide, we’ll break down common tasting note terminology, explain how those descriptions translate to real flavors, and explore how three of our standout wines—the 2021 French Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, 2023 Pinot Grigio, and 2019 Malbec—illustrate these characteristics.
The Basics: How to Read a Tasting Note
Wine descriptions are typically broken down into four main categories:
- Appearance – The color and clarity of the wine, which can indicate age and grape variety.
- Aroma (Nose) – The scents detected before sipping, giving insight into the wine’s complexity.
- Palate (Taste & Texture) – The flavors, structure, and mouthfeel that develop while drinking.
- Finish – The lasting impression of the wine after swallowing.
Understanding how these elements work together will make it easier to identify what styles of wine you enjoy most.
Common Tasting Note Terms (& What They Actually Mean)
Fruit-Driven Terms
- Red fruit – Cherries, raspberries, cranberries (often found in Pinot Noir and Sangiovese).
- Black fruit – Blackberries, plums, black currants (common in Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec).
- Citrus – Lemon, lime, grapefruit (found in white wines like Vermentino and Sauvignon Blanc).
- Tropical fruit – Pineapple, mango, papaya (seen in Viognier and some Chardonnays).
Oak Influence
- Vanilla, caramel, butterscotch – Indicate aging in American oak.
- Cedar, toast, spice – More subtle characteristics from French oak aging.
- Smoky, charred, espresso – Result of heavily toasted barrels.
Earth & Minerality
- Graphite, pencil shavings – Classic in Bordeaux-style blends.
- Wet stone, flint – Common in Chablis and Loire Valley whites.
- Forest floor, mushroom, truffle – Found in aged Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo.
Tannins & Texture
- Silky – Soft, refined tannins that glide over the palate.
- Firm – Well-structured tannins that indicate aging potential.
- Chewy – More pronounced tannins that create a gripping sensation.
Acidity
- Crisp, zesty – Bright acidity that makes the wine refreshing.
- Mouthwatering – High acidity that enhances food pairings.
- Lively – A balance of fruit and acidity that keeps the wine vibrant.
Real Examples: Breaking Down Tasting Notes from Our Wines
2021 French Oak Cabernet Sauvignon
“A bold and structured Cabernet with aromas of ripe blackcurrants, tobacco, and cedar. The palate reveals layers of dark plum, graphite, and cocoa with firm yet refined tannins, leading to a long, lingering finish.”
What This Means: The presence of blackcurrants and dark plum tells us this wine is rich in dark fruit flavors. The notes of tobacco and cedar come from French oak aging, giving it depth and complexity. Graphite hints at a classic, Old-World-inspired profile, while firm tannins suggest this wine has excellent aging potential.
2023 Pinot Grigio
“Bright and refreshing, this Pinot Grigio offers aromas of crisp green apple, citrus zest, and white flowers. The palate is lively with hints of pear and minerality, finishing with a clean, crisp acidity.”
What This Means: The description highlights the wine’s freshness with terms like “crisp green apple” and “citrus zest,” which indicate a vibrant, fruit-forward profile. The mention of “minerality” suggests a slight stony or saline quality, which is common in high-quality Pinot Grigios. The “clean, crisp acidity” makes it an excellent choice for refreshing pairings.
2019 Malbec
“Velvety and expressive, this Malbec opens with aromas of ripe plum, violets, and baking spice. Flavors of blackberry preserves and mocha unfold on the palate, framed by smooth, integrated tannins.”
What This Means: The use of “velvety” and “smooth” suggests a plush mouthfeel, making it very approachable. The combination of plum, blackberry, and mocha points to a wine with rich, dark fruit flavors complemented by warm spice notes, likely from oak aging.
How to Use Tasting Notes to Find Your Ideal Wine
Now that you understand the terminology, you can use it to find wines that suit your preferences:
- If you love bold, intense reds, look for notes like “black fruit,” “structured tannins,” and “spice.”
- If you prefer soft, elegant wines, seek descriptions with “red fruit,” “silky tannins,” and “floral.”
- For crisp, refreshing whites, look for “citrus,” “zesty acidity,” and “mineral-driven.”
Discover a Wine That Matches Your Taste
Tasting notes are your roadmap to selecting wines you’ll love. Whether you’re drawn to bold Cabernets, crisp Pinot Grigios, or smooth Malbecs, understanding how flavors are described can help you make more confident choices.
Explore our full selection of wines and find the perfect bottle to match your taste preferences.