Glossary
Mineral
/MIN-ur-ul/
Non-fruit, stony, or chalky character suggesting terroir.
Full Definition
Mineral describes non-fruit flavors suggesting stones, chalk, wet rocks, flint, or oyster shell. Associated with terroir expression, especially limestone and slate soils. The science of how soil minerals transfer to wine flavor remains debated. Chablis, Mosel Riesling, and Loire wines often show mineral character.
Related Terms
See Also
Reference
More terms starting with M
Maceration
Soaking grape skins in juice to extract color, tannin, and flavor.
Madeirized
Wine showing oxidation and heat damage, like Madeira.
Magnum
A 1.5-liter bottle, holding two standard bottles.
Malic Acid
A tart acid in grapes, converted to lactic acid during ML.
Malolactic Fermentation
Bacterial conversion of tart malic acid to softer lactic acid.
Master of Wine
The most prestigious wine qualification worldwide.