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Glossary entries from the letter, O

 

Oak

The modern wood of choice for making wine barrels. Not only does oak make a durable barrel, but winemakers also use oak barrels to impart color, taste, and tannin to wine. In the US, the species of oak that is most often used in winemaking is the Quercus Alba (American Oak). In France, the most common oak species used in wine production is the Quercus Petraea (French Oak). In general, the cellular structure of Quercus Alba, along with its higher concentration of lactones, produces a more pronounced vanilla flavor in wines treated with American Oak.
 Oak - Wine Glossary

Oenologist

An expert in the art and science of making wine.
 Oenologist - Wine Glossary

Oenology

The art and science of winemaking.
 Oenology - Wine Glossary

Oenophile

A wine lover.
 Oenophile - Wine Glossary

Off-Dry

A term that refers to a slightly sweet wine.
 Off-Dry - Wine Glossary

Old World Style

A phrase used to describe traditionally made wines. In general, Old World Style wines have lower alcohol levels, more acid, and less pronounced fruit when compared to the New World Style. Compatibility with food is another common attribute. Not surprisingly, most Old World Style wines are made in Europe.
 Old World Style - Wine Glossary

Overripe

A wine tasting descriptor that denotes a taste of raisins or prunes in a wine. The condition is typically attributed to allowing the grapes to overripen on the vine.
 Overripe - Wine Glossary

Oxidation

A wine descriptor that refers to a wine that has been exposed to air, introducing chemical reactions that have degraded the wine.
 Oxidation - Wine Glossary


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