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APPENDIX–VINOLOGY
Wine Terms
Term Definition
APPELLATION The Appellation of Origin refers to the region in a country where the majority of
grapes used in a wine ar
e grown.
DESIGNATION Refers to the vineyard producing the grapes or a unique producer label.
DRINK/HOLD A maturity status assigned to bottles which may be consumed now but will improve
with more aging.
DRINK A maturity status assigned to bottles which are in peak form and should be
consumed now for best results.
HOLD A maturity status assigned to bottles which should be allowed to mature to reach
their full potential.
IN DECLINE A maturity status assigned to bottles which have already passed their peak but may
still retain some value.
PAST A maturity status assigned to bottles which may not be drinkable due to loss of
quality.
VARIETAL Refers to the type of wine and is derived from the grape or vine type a wine is made
from, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir.
VINTAGE The vintage date indicates the year the grapes used to make the wine are harvested.
Nonvintage wines are made from blends of grapes harvested in different years.
The following terms are commonly used in the wine industry and are also referenced
within this guidebook.