Enology, (Oenology)--- it is definitely the word on the street. Everyone wants to feel they know a little something about wine and they are making an event of it---- the cocktail party has been replaced by an evening of wine tasting. Instead of a computer class it is a wine class, and why take the Hampton's Celebrity Home Tour when there is the vineyard tour.

Whether you are a true oenophile, a winery, or just the average person trying to navigate a wine store, it is true that a little bit of knowledge goes a long way. In the upcoming series of articles in the wine guide we will chat about...Wine terminology...Entertaining with wine...Wine cellaring...Navigating a wine list...Old world vs. New world - ...Region vs. Varietal...When it comes to wine terminology, it comes in two forms...-technical terms and terms of opinion. For example-in the wine industry, you would not get very far in your career if you didn't understand the difference between viticulture and vinification, (grape growing and wine making). In contrast, are terms of opinion such as "pee on a gooseberry bush", (has been used to describe the crisp acidity of a classic Sauvignon Blanc) or "old leather boot" (no definition needed) What further complicates the issue is language differences or concepts. One example is 'terroir' giving the idea of earth and the natural conditions which affect the grape.

The French were known to say they had the only true 'terroir' worth growing grapes in, but now we all know there's a lot of good dirt out there! Different countries have their own terminology such as Champagne versus sparkling wine, (region versus style), or calling a Syrah a Shiraz if you're an Aussie like me. Perhaps when you peruse the next Christie's wine catalogue you'll notice the selection of Clarets which happens to be the traditional English way to describe a red wine from Bordeaux. The evolution of wine and its terminology is certainly a fascinating subject. Just consider wine vessels and measurements in the early days.

Back in the fifteenth century, English wine measurements included a hogshead, which referred to 63 gallons. A "pipe, which measured two hogsheads and a tonne was two pipes. Imagine ordering a hogshead of your favorite wine. Bringing it into the 20th century, many of you remember the back yard picnic of the 70's with the swing set and Doughboy swimming pool, drinking jug wine distinguishly labeled as Burgundy, Mosel or Rose`. Today the picture is very different. Many sit around the dining table with friends from the same wine club, surrounded by their custom wine cellar and Riedel crystal, enjoying the bouquet and palette of their favorite wine, while their friends ask if it was barrel fermented and how long it sat on the lees. We visit boutique wineries, pay exorbitant prices for cult wines and decide if we should bid online for the 750ml, the magnum or the Jeroboam. It is certainly a far cry from the mediocre liquid in a hogshead back in 1497. While wine and its terminology can be a challenge, it should also be a joy and a pleasure and one to be shared with friends. Since entertaining and wine go hand in hand, please join us for the following article, Wine--The Honored Guest.