Wine Words – How Do You Say That?
As much as we love wine, drink wine and talk about wine, sometimes we stumble over
pronunciation. Here are some of the wine words that trip us up, along with their correct
pronunciation.
Viognier: vee-on-NYAY
We’ve heard winemakers say that this lovely white, best known for its outstanding perfume,
would overtake Chardonnay in popularity…if people could just figure out how to say it.
Terroir: ter-wahr
The sun, the soil, the wind, the fog, the rain…every little thing that effects how the vines
grow and the grapes mature is part of the terroir for a wine. Winemakers tell us that the
differences between rows of the same grapes in the same vineyards are sometimes
surprisingly large.
Gewurztraminer: guh-VERZ-tra-meener
This is another lovely white known for its aromatics and massive fruitiness. In fact, its
perfume and fruit-forward nature can be mistaken as sweetness, but most Gewurztraminers
are actually dry.
Wine Words – How Do You Say That?
Carménère: CAR-MEN-AIR
Yep, we added an extra “aye” at the end of the name of this rich red until we were
corrected. Although originally from the Bordeaux region of France, it now primarily thrives
in Chile, where it is a favorite.
Sémillon: SEM-ee-yawn (unless you are in Australia, then it is SEM-i-lawn)
This French white hails from Bordeaux, where it is often blended with Sauvignon Blanc or
made into sweet Sauternes. In Australia, it makes a tart young wine, and transforms with
age into a rich, honeyed wine.
Sauvignion: sew-vin-YAWN
This comes from the French word for wild, sauvage. Fun fact: Sauvignon Blanc and
Cabernet Franc are the “parent” vines of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Pinot Gris: PEE-no GREE
This is a clone of Pinot Noir with a color mutation (Gris means Gray). It is the same grape
as Pinot Grigio. The difference between Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio is terroir.
Mourvédre: moor-VED-rah
This dark, dry, weighty, muscular red originated in Spain, but is often used as part of
Rhone-style blends.
Tempranillo: tem-pra-KNEE-oh
This Spanish favorite is fast becoming a popular grape in Portugal, the U.S. and Argentina.
It’s significant tannins and high acidity make it a great choice to pair with steak.
Bonus for our members–the name of the family winery that produces the most loved
Zinfandel we’ve ever featured is pronounced KNEE-Koe (Gnekow Family Winery Campus
Oaks Old Vine Zinfandel).
Check out our monthly wine clubs and join one today, or send wine gifts to friends and
family!