Wine Glossary: meaning of the main terms in the world of wine
Choosing a wine is easier when you know the meaning of the words that describe it. Terms like terroir, maceration, or méthode classique are not just for experts: they are useful tools to understand what's in your glass and why it's worth drinking.
This glossary was created for those who want to navigate the world of wine without getting lost in technicalities. Each definition is written directly, with concrete examples and without unnecessary jargon. The glossary will be updated over time.
Alphabetical Index
A · B · C · D · F · I · L · M · O · S · T · V
A
Aging
Definition
Aging is the resting period a wine undergoes after fermentation. It can take place in wooden barrels (oak, barrique, tonneau), stainless steel, concrete, or in the bottle. Flavors integrate and the structure softens.
Why it's important
Wood imparts notes of vanilla and spice; steel preserves freshness and fruit aromas.
When you encounter it
In the technical sheets of Barolo, Brunello, Amarone.
Curiosity
Barolo DOCG requires at least 38 months of aging, 18 of which must be in wood.
Vintage
Definition
The vintage is the year in which the grapes were harvested. Rain, temperatures, and hours of sunshine directly influence the wine's quality and character.
Why it's important
Two bottles of the same wine from different vintages can be very different.
When you encounter it
On almost all still wine labels. Non-vintage sparkling wines blend multiple vintages — this is the principle of cuvée.
B
Barrique
Definition
A small oak barrel of 225 liters used for aging. The wood imparts tannins, vanilla, and toasted notes. The newer it is, the more pronounced its impact.
Why it's important
Used excessively, it can overpower the aromas of the grape variety. Many natural winemakers prefer large barrels or amphorae.
When you encounter it
In the technical sheets of Barolo, Brunello, Amarone, and international wines.
Biodynamic
Definition
Agriculture that goes beyond organic, based on Rudolf Steiner's theories. The vineyard is treated as a living ecosystem, with work tied to lunar cycles and exclusively natural treatments.
Why it's important
It is the most radical expression of the natural wine philosophy. The most common certification is Demeter.
When you encounter it
On labels with the Demeter or Biodyvin mark.
Curiosity
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti in Burgundy practices biodynamic farming.
C
Winery / Cellar
Definition
Physical place where wine is produced, aged, and stored. By extension, it also refers to the producing company.
Why it's important
Temperature, humidity, and absence of vibrations are critical for proper aging.
When you encounter it
Everywhere: labels, producer descriptions, wine guides.
Cuvée
Definition
A blend of different wines by grape variety, vintage, or origin. It is the technique behind Champagnes and méthode classique sparkling wines.
Why it's important
The winemaker balances the acidity, structure, and longevity of different components.
When you encounter it
On labels of Champagne, Franciacorta, Trento DOC.
→ Discover our selection of méthode classique and organic sparkling wines
D
Decantation
Definition
Slowly pouring wine into a decanter to separate it from sediment and allow it to breathe. Oxygen opens up aromas and softens tannins.
Why it's important
Barolo, Amarone, and Brunello are at their best after decantation.
When you encounter it
In the serving notes of important red wines.
Curiosity
It also serves to separate the sediment of unfiltered wines — a sign of authenticity, not a defect.
DOC
Definition
Denominazione di Origine Controllata (Controlled Designation of Origin). Official Italian recognition for wines produced in a specific geographical area, with specific grape varieties and according to a disciplinary code. Over 340 DOCs in Italy.
Why it's important
Guarantees production standards and certified territorial origin.
When you encounter it
Chianti DOC, Soave DOC, Vermentino di Sardegna DOC.
DOCG
Definition
Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin). The highest level of Italian classification. Compared to DOC, it requires a mandatory organoleptic examination. 77 DOCGs in Italy.
Why it's important
The numbered seal on the neck certifies that controls have been passed.
When you encounter it
Barolo, Brunello, Amarone, Franciacorta.
Curiosity
The first DOCGs were assigned in 1980 to Brunello, Barolo, Barbaresco, Vino Nobile, and Chianti.
F
Fermentation
Definition
A biological process that transforms grape juice into wine. Indigenous yeasts — or selected ones — convert the sugars in the must into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
Why it's important
Temperature, type of yeasts, and duration profoundly influence the wine's aromatic profile.
When you encounter it
In the technical sheets of producers.
I
IGT
Definition
Indicazione Geografica Tipica (Typical Geographical Indication). Flexible classification: indicates geographical origin without the strictures of DOC and DOCG. Supertuscans — Sassicaia, Tignanello — are IGT Toscana.
Why it's important
IGT does not mean lower quality: some of Italy's most expensive wines are IGT.
When you encounter it
On labels of Tuscan, Sicilian, and other experimental regional wines.
→ Explore our Wines from Tuscany
L
Indigenous yeasts
Definition
Microorganisms naturally present on the grape skins and in the cellar air. They are not added: fermentation starts on its own.
Why it's important
They result in slower fermentations but often more complex wines. Typical of natural wine producers.
When you encounter it
In technical sheets as "spontaneous fermentation."
M
Maceration
Definition
Prolonged contact between grape juice and the solid parts of the bunch — skins, seeds, stems. The wine extracts color, tannins, and aromas. In white wines, long maceration produces so-called orange wines.
Why it's important
Duration and temperature determine tannic structure, color, and aromatic complexity.
When you encounter it
In the technical sheets of red wines and orange wines, often indicated in days.
Méthode Classique
Definition
The second fermentation of sparkling wines takes place in the bottle. The wine is enriched with sugar and yeasts, capped, and left to rest. Then remuage and dégorgement remove the yeasts. Result: fine and persistent bubbles.
Why it's important
Requires long periods. In Italy: Franciacorta and Trento DOC.
When you encounter it
Franciacorta, Trento DOC, Alta Langa, Champagne.
→ Discover our Summer Sparkling Wine Box: Méthode Classique and Organic Prosecco
Martinotti Method
Definition
The second fermentation takes place in a pressurized autoclave. Faster than the méthode classique, it produces sparkling wines with fresh and fruity aromas. Prosecco is the most famous example.
Why it's important
Ideal for aromatic grape varieties like Glera and Moscato.
When you encounter it
Prosecco, Asti Spumante, Lambrusco.
Curiosity
Patented by the Italian Federico Martinotti in 1895, almost twenty years before the Frenchman Charmat.
O
Orange Wine
Definition
White wine produced with long maceration on the skins, like red wines. The contact imparts color from golden to amber and an unusual tannic structure. The name refers to the color, not oranges.
Why it's important
One of the most interesting trends in natural wine. Challenges traditional categories.
When you encounter it
In specialized wine shops and natural wine selections.
Curiosity
In Georgia, macerated wines have been produced for over 8,000 years in qvevri amphorae.
→ Explore our selection of Organic White Wines
S
Sulfites
Definition
Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) used as a preservative and antioxidant. Some is naturally formed during fermentation; the rest is added. Mandatory to indicate on the label above 10 mg/liter.
Why it's important
At the center of the natural wine debate. Natural winemakers reduce them to a minimum.
When you encounter it
On all EU labels.
T
Tannin
Definition
Polyphenolic compounds present in grape skins, seeds, and stems, and in the wood of barrels. They are perceived as astringency in the mouth. Over time, they soften.
Why it's important
They determine the longevity of red wines. They are extracted during maceration and aging in wood.
When you encounter it
"Fine and silky tannins," "still austere tannins."
→ Explore our Organic Red Wines
Terroir
Definition
The sum of the natural characteristics of a place — soil, microclimate, altitude, exposure — that make a wine unique. The same grape variety in different locations yields completely different wines.
Why it's important
The foundation of quality wine philosophy. Explains why some wines cost more.
When you encounter it
In descriptions of regional wines.
Curiosity
Cistercian monks in Burgundy mapped vineyards in the Middle Ages to identify the best parcels.
V
Grape Variety
Definition
Botanical variety of vine from which grapes are obtained. Each grape variety has its own aromas, acidity, and tannic structure. It is one of the main factors defining a wine's character, along with terroir.
Why it's important
Knowing Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Glera, Vermentino, Fiano helps navigate designations.
When you encounter it
On labels and in technical sheets.
Organic Wine
Definition
Produced from grapes grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. EC Regulation 203/2012 also regulates sulfite limits in the cellar. The logo is the Euro-leaf.
Why it's important
Healthy vineyards produce more balanced grapes, with greater expression of the terroir.
When you encounter it
On labels with the Euro-leaf logo.
→ Explore our Organic Red Wines and Organic White Wines
Natural Wine
Definition
No official legal definition. Refers to a wine with minimal intervention: biodynamic or organic farming in the vineyard, spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, reduced or no sulfites in the cellar.
Why it's important
At the center of a cultural movement that redefines the relationship between producer, territory, and consumer.
When you encounter it
In selections from artisan producers like those from ALBio Corini.
→ Discover our Terrace Aperitivo Box – Natural and Ancestral Wines
Unfiltered Wine
Definition
Wine that has not undergone filtration before bottling. It may be less clear and develop sediment, but it preserves greater aromatic complexity. Turbidity is not a defect.
Why it's important
Many natural wine producers do not filter to preserve vitality. It should be stored horizontally, in a cool place.
When you encounter it
Labels with "unfiltered." Often associated with biodynamic wines.
Learn More
This section will host ALBio Corini's guides as they are published.
- How to choose an organic wine (coming soon)
- Guide to native Italian grape varieties (coming soon)
- How to pair wine with food (coming soon)
- Orange wine: everything you need to know (coming soon)