Wine Regions and Appellations
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Wine and Sustainability course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Wine Regions and Appellations Glossary #
Wine Regions and Appellations Glossary
AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) #
AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée)
- **Explanation:** A French certification granted to wines and other agricultura… #
It ensures that the product is produced in a specific region using traditional methods.
AVA (American Viticultural Area) #
AVA (American Viticultural Area)
- **Explanation:** A designated wine grape-growing region in the United States w… #
- **Explanation:** A designated wine grape-growing region in the United States with specific geographic boundaries that define the area's unique characteristics.
Bordeaux #
Bordeaux
- **Explanation:** A famous wine region in southwestern France known for its red… #
- **Explanation:** A famous wine region in southwestern France known for its red blends primarily made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc grapes.
Champagne #
Champagne
- **Explanation:** A region in northeastern France renowned for producing sparkl… #
- **Explanation:** A region in northeastern France renowned for producing sparkling wine using the traditional method, with strict regulations on grape varieties and production techniques.
DO (Denominación de Origen) #
DO (Denominación de Origen)
- **Explanation:** A Spanish quality assurance label for wines that confirms the… #
- **Explanation:** A Spanish quality assurance label for wines that confirms their origin from a specific region and adherence to production standards.
Geographical Indication #
Geographical Indication
- **Explanation:** A sign used on products that have a specific geographical ori… #
- **Explanation:** A sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities, reputation, or characteristics that are attributable to that origin.
IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) #
IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica)
- **Explanation:** An Italian wine classification indicating a wine's typicality… #
- **Explanation:** An Italian wine classification indicating a wine's typicality or regional character, falling between the stricter DOC and the more flexible IGP categories.
Malbec #
Malbec
- **Explanation:** A red grape variety that originated in France but gained popu… #
- **Explanation:** A red grape variety that originated in France but gained popularity in Argentina, known for producing full-bodied wines with dark fruit flavors and robust tannins.
Napa Valley #
Napa Valley
- **Explanation:** A renowned wine region in California famous for its Cabernet… #
- **Explanation:** A renowned wine region in California famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines, characterized by a variety of microclimates and diverse soils.
Old World #
Old World
- **Explanation:** Refers to wine-producing regions with a long history of winem… #
- **Explanation:** Refers to wine-producing regions with a long history of winemaking, such as Europe, focusing on tradition, terroir, and regulations.
Port #
Port
- **Explanation:** A fortified wine produced in the Douro Valley of Portugal, ty… #
- **Explanation:** A fortified wine produced in the Douro Valley of Portugal, typically sweet and full-bodied, with a range of styles including vintage, tawny, and ruby.
Qualitätswein #
Qualitätswein
- **Explanation:** A German wine classification indicating quality wine produced… #
- **Explanation:** A German wine classification indicating quality wine produced in a specific region, with various levels based on ripeness and sugar content.
Rioja #
Rioja
- **Explanation:** A Spanish wine region known for its red wines made primarily… #
- **Explanation:** A Spanish wine region known for its red wines made primarily from Tempranillo grapes, aged in oak barrels and classified into different aging categories.
Sonoma County #
Sonoma County
- **Explanation:** A diverse wine region in California famous for its Pinot Noir… #
- **Explanation:** A diverse wine region in California famous for its Pinot Noir and Zinfandel wines, featuring multiple sub-appellations with unique terroirs.
Terroir #
Terroir
- **Explanation:** The combination of factors such as soil, climate, and geograp… #
- **Explanation:** The combination of factors such as soil, climate, and geography that influence a wine's character, flavor, and quality, reflecting the specific sense of place.
UGA (Unité Géographique Additionnelle) #
UGA (Unité Géographique Additionnelle)
- **Explanation:** A French term referring to additional geographical units that… #
- **Explanation:** A French term referring to additional geographical units that may be included within an AOC to expand the designated area for wine production.
Vinho Verde #
Vinho Verde
- **Explanation:** A Portuguese wine region known for producing light, crisp, an… #
- **Explanation:** A Portuguese wine region known for producing light, crisp, and slightly effervescent white wines, often made from indigenous grape varieties like Alvarinho and Loureiro.
WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) #
WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust)
- **Explanation:** An international organization offering wine, spirits, and sak… #
- **Explanation:** An international organization offering wine, spirits, and sake qualifications at various levels, providing comprehensive knowledge and skills for professionals in the industry.
Xinomavro #
Xinomavro
- **Explanation:** A red grape variety native to Greece, particularly grown in t… #
- **Explanation:** A red grape variety native to Greece, particularly grown in the regions of Naoussa and Amyndeon, producing structured wines with high acidity and firm tannins.
Yarra Valley #
Yarra Valley
- **Explanation:** A cool-climate wine region in Victoria, Australia, known for… #
- **Explanation:** A cool-climate wine region in Victoria, Australia, known for producing elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, with a focus on sustainable viticulture practices.
Zinfandel #
Zinfandel
- **Explanation:** A red grape variety primarily grown in California, known for… #
- **Explanation:** A red grape variety primarily grown in California, known for its bold, spicy, and fruit-forward characteristics, often made into robust red wines with high alcohol content.
These glossary terms cover a wide range of wine regions, appellations, grape var… #
Understanding these concepts is essential for navigating the complex world of wine production, regions, and quality standards.