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Last Updated: Mar 9, 2026Sommelier
Sommelier
A sommelier is a trained and knowledgeable wine professional, normally working in fine dining establishments, who specializes in all aspects of wine service, food pairing and cellar management. Also known as wine stewards, they curate wine lists, advise customers on selections, manage inventory and ensure proper service. Many sommeliers obtain formal recognition and certifications from wine organizations.
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Microclimate
Microclimate refers to the unique, localized temperature, humidity, sunlight and wind within a specific area of a vineyard different from the surrounding region. A microclimate allows for distinct and complex flavor profiles within a single vineyard.
Digestif
A digestif is an alcoholic beverage served after a meal with the aim of aiding digestion and soothing the stomach. They can be fortified wines like Port, Sherry and Vermouth, bitter herbal liqueurs (amari) or cocktails that contain any of these ingredients.
Vintage
The term "vintage" refers to the year in which the grapes of a particular wine were harvested. A wine's vintage reflects the unique weather and growing conditions of that season, heavily influencing the flavor, quality and character of the wine.
Magnum
A magnum is a large wine bottle that holds 1.5 liters, double the volume of a standard 750ml bottle.
Old World
The term "Old World' refers to wines produced in traditional European regions, primarily France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Germany, with winemaking traditions that span centuries, often regulated and family led.
Oenophile
An oenophile is a passionate lover of wine, someone who appreciates, studies and often collects wines based on their region, production methods and varietal. Beyond wine drinking, they are interested in the stories behind the labels, often possessing refined tasting skills, able to identify subtle tasting notes. Oenophiles may be wine professional like sommeliers or wine merchants, or passionate hobbyists who frequently attend wine tastings and join wine clubs.
Joven
Joven is a Spanish wine classification meaning "young". It refers to wines bottled and released within 3-6 months after harvest, with little to no oak aging. Joven wines are fresh and vibrant, offering a light bodied style, with high acidity, minimal tannins and fruit flavors.
Terroir
Terroir is a French term used to describe the complete environmental, geographical and human factors affecting a wine grape's growth. It includes farming practices, soil, climate and topography, often described as a "sense of place".
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