It’s wine term time!  Mainly because I need something to keep me occupied for a few minutes before the Jeopardy! online test begins!  It’s supposed to start at 8pm and I’m supposed to be able to login 30min prior to the start of the test.  It’s 7:42pm and I’m getting an error message that says I’m too early.  The Jeopardy! people might be good at trivia, but apparently they suck at math and basic time telling skills.  Anyway…

Earthy – A term used to describe aromas and flavors that have a certain soil-like quality, that is, with organic qualities like “barnyard,” “forest floor,” “merde,” and tree bark.”  May be associated with brettanomyces but can also result from oak aging or the nature of specific grapes.  Mourvedre, for instance, imparts a characteristic earthy aroma.  A bit of earthiness can be appealing; too much makes the wine course.

I had to look up some of the words in the definition.  Like “merde” which, wait for it, means “shit” or “crap” in French.  It is also listed as “dung” if you want the rated G definition.  Umm…so far I’m thinking I don’t want anything that tastes like barnyard shit in my mouth.  Just a personal preference…

Brettanomyces – a genus of molds (family Moniliaceae) that are sometimes included in the genus Candida.  Wait what?  Seriously?  No…I must investigate further.  Thank you Merriam Webster, but allow me to find a more reputable source.  Wikipedia here I come!   Brettanomyices is a non-spore forming genus of yeast in the family Saccharomycetaceae, and is often colloquially referred to as “Brett“.  Ok, still not sounding appealing, but I can call it Brett.  I feel like I’m more ok with it because we’re on a more familiar nickname basis.

Mourvedre is a red wine grape variety in case you were curious.  I was.

Let’s hope wine terminology or grape growing regions are part of the Jeopardy! test!!!

Good news!  My head cold turned chest cold turned wicked sinus infection is beginning to subside!  I went out to dinner with a friend last night and the Riesling tasted like Riesling!  I am headed to a birthday party for my friend’s 5 year old today and she excitedly told me she has some wine for me to try.  I’m excited I’ll be able to actually taste them!  I shall fill you in if there is anything notable.

Dark – A visual term, a red wine of intense color.  As a flavor term, akin to “brooding”, a robust wine with depth and texture.

Random thought:  I like words with multiple uses.  Like “dark” being able to explain color and flavor.

My apologies for the lack of posts lately.  I have been hit with the horrendous head cold that has been circulating around work.  I’ve been battling that for the past week or so and everything has been tasting a bit off.  Last night I tried to drink a glass of Camden Place Chardonnay and it tasted like old nails to me.  Tonight I tried to have a glass of the F. Stephen Miller Angel’s Reserve Shiraz with dinner and it tasted way off.  Even my salad of fresh, locally grown, organic lettuce, kale, heirloom tomatoes and fresh garlic from Stony Ridge Farms tasted like a big bag of crap.  So until I regain my sense of taste, it’ll be crackers, chicken noodle soup and hot toddies for me!  And wine dictionary entries for you.

Cabernet Franc – A red grape common to Bordeaux; characteristics include an herbal, leafy flavor and a soft, fleshy texture.

Random thought:  Cabernet Franc is a good solid red wine for those who have recently ventured their way into red wines and are feeling adventurous and want to tip toe to something besides a Merlot or a Pinot Noir.  Not knocking Merlot or Pinot Noir at all.  We all know that at times I am not opposed to getting “Merloaded.”

Time for the next installment of the wine dictionary.  This term doesn’t particularly describe wine elements, but I found it to be an interesting term.

Bacchus – The Roman god of wine, known as Dionysus in ancient Greece; a hybrid white grape from Germany.

Random fact: Dionysus was the name of one of my favorite low-key bars here in Baltimore.  Sadly, it has closed its doors for good as of a few months ago.  If you happen to be in Baltimore and find yourself in Mt. Vernon, City Cafe and Waterstone have relatively impressive, yet affordable wine lists.