Descriptor

Definition - What does Descriptor mean?

Wine descriptors are common adjectives that are used to describe a specific wine. The reasons that descriptors are important is because they can help the taster identify which wines they like or dislike and they can also help the taster communicate characteristics of the wine to others who may not have experienced it before.

WineFrog explains Descriptor

Typical adjectives that are used as wine descriptors are those that denote taste, aromas, flavors and appearance of the wine. The taster’s own sensory experience while tasting wine contributes to how the wine is described or communicated to others. Descriptors for the same wine may be different depending on the person and their olfactory senses perceiving differently than other individuals. Descriptors are also used to find a wine of preference or to match the wine with a specific food type or meal. These descriptors can be helpful when deciding on a new wine to try, as the taster can usually find something that expresses the same or different style that they may prefer. Examples of wine descriptors are:

  • Smooth
  • Citrusy
  • Fruity
  • Oaky
  • Spicy