Welcome to Missouri Wines

(adj.) A wine that is usually bottled and sold within a year of its vintage. Wines meant to be enjoyed “young” are noted for their fresh and crisp flavors. 90% of wines are made to be consumed within a year of bottling.

(n.) A pale yellow to golden-colored wine that is often fermented without the grape skins.

(adj.) Similar to “body”, the sensation when a wine feels thick or rich on the palate.

(n.) The study of grape growing.

(n.) The year the wine grapes were harvested. It’s printed on the bottle.

(n.) Beginning stage of the ripening of the grapes. During this lifecycle stage both their color and appearance change.

(n.) A specific type of grape. There are hundreds, maybe even thousands of different grape varietals grown around the world. Missouri vintners primarily grow hybrid and Native American varietals that can handle the demanding weather of our region. An example of a Missouri varietal is Norton.

(n.) The French term for “earth;” used to describe the natural environment where wine grapes were grown, including the soil, the land and the climate. It affects the taste of the wine.

(n.) Natural, bitter compounds found in wine, tea and cacao. They can have a drying sensation on the palate. Wines high in tannins are described as “tannic.” Generally, red wines are more tannic than white wines.

(adj.) Wines with residual sugars that make them sweet to taste.