How to Talk Like a Wine Expert

Sebastian Davis/Thrillist
Sebastian Davis/Thrillist

Look, everybody loves wine. But all too often, walking into a wine bar can be intimidating. Tannins? Cuvaison? Corkage fee? Pardon me, Pepe, but I came to get my grape on, not to learn a whole new language.

Luckily, talking about wine can be as easy as drinking it. Just use these five terms for each of the best kinds of wine and you'll go from simpleton to sommelier in no time.

Flickr/Rusty Gillespie

Riesling

Sweet
Nectarine
Acidic
Tart
Mouthfeel
 

Chardonnay

Citrusy
Oaky
Buttery
Mouthfeel
Toasty

Flickr/Donireewalker

Syrah

Warm
Inviting
Hearty
Deep
Toothsome
 

Sauvignon Blanc

Grassy
Smoky
Fruity
Sour
Masticational

Flickr/Martin Krolikowski

Pinot Gris

Light
Dry
Zesty
Quaff feel
Gree?
 

Port

Sweet
Hearty
Aperitif
Warming
Captain Ron

Andy Kryza/Thrillist

Malbec

Spicy
Bold
Surprising
Floral
Sensación en la boca
 

Zinfandel

Silky
Brainy
Happy
Sneezy
Mouthfeely

Flickr/LexGen

Merlot

Rich
Tobacco
Soft
Herbal
Giamattifeel
 

Cabernet Sauvignon

Rich
Peppery
Full-bodied
Tannic
Mouthful

Flickr/Anders Adermark

Sparkling

Playfeel
Refreshing
Dry
Whooooooooooooooooooo!
Wedding hookup
 

Rosé

Refreshing
Mild
Transcendent
Mouthfelt
Noon

Andy Kryza/Thrillist

Boone’s Farm

Strawberric
Azure
Mouthnumb
Aphrodisiac
Huh?

Rod Domino is a wine expert and romance novelist living in the now. He enjoys slap fights, dog races, and those little sandwiches you get at weddings. The ones with the cucumbers. Follow him to blue teeth: @roddomino.