How wine jargon leaves Brits in terroir: More than 50% of wine lovers are baffled by its terminology whereas a 3rd are left embarrassed when requested to explain a kind
We may be changing from beer fans to wine buffs, but most of us still don’t know our terroir from our tannins.
More than half of so-called wine lovers are baffled by its terminology. According to a survey, 48 per cent have been caught out at a dinner party for using jargon they did not properly understand.
Meanwhile, 34 per cent were left embarrassed when asked to describe a wine they brought to a dinner party, and 36 per cent would not feel confident explaining what a blended wine is.
The most confusing term for those intimidated by the grapes of wrath, according to 60 per cent of those polled, is ‘terroir’, with one in 20 thinking it means ‘terribly good’.
In fact, it refers to the environmental conditions that affect the taste and quality of a wine.
Other wine words that leave Brits scratching their heads include ‘caudalie’ (44 per cent) – the measurement of how long the taste stays on the palate, and ‘oenology’ (41 per cent) – the science of wine and wine-making.
The terms ‘maceration’ (41 per cent) – the process of soaking wine skins to extract colour and tannins, and ‘cuvee’ (41 per cent) – a wine made with a blend of different varieties of grapes, were also among the list of the 20 terms many don’t really understand.
More than half of so-called wine lovers are baffled by its terminology according to a new survey
48 per cent of wine drinkers have been caught out at a dinner party for using jargon they did not properly understand
The most confusing term for those intimidated by the grapes of wrath, according to 60 per cent of those polled, is ‘terroir’
Despite the challenges, more than two-thirds (84 per cent) would like to increase their wine knowledge, the motivations including, feeling more confident when discussing wine (50 per cent) improving their ability to pair wine with food (42 per cent), navigating wine lists more comfortably (29 per cent), and even appearing more intelligent (22 per cent).
One in five (19 per cent) would like to impress friends and family with their wine knowledge, so much so that more than half (52 per cent) enjoy receiving advice on wines when shopping in stores.
A significant 69 per cent love trying new wines, according to the research by new wine range CTZN.
Oliver Hoey from Aussie wine brand CTZN, which commissioned the survey of 2,000 Brits, said: ‘Brits love wine, but want the confidence to talk about it more in social settings.
‘We are giving wine lovers the tools they need to feel confident and informed, with SOM, our AI-powered virtual sommelier, providing an engaging and interactive way to deepen the understanding of the wine in their glass.’
