Neutral

/NOO-trul/

👃Tasting 🍷Winemaking

Lacking distinctive character; or non-reactive vessel.

Full Definition

Neutral has two wine meanings: (1) tasting term for wines lacking distinctive character or varietal expression; (2) winemaking term for non-reactive vessels (stainless steel, old oak) that don't impart flavor. Neutral grapes (Ugni Blanc) are used for distillation. Neutral can be fault or intentional style.

Related Terms

bland inert stainless steel

See Also

character varietal

Nervous Back to Glossary New Oak

More terms starting with N

Natural Wine

Wine made with minimal intervention and additives.

Negociant

A merchant who buys grapes or wine to blend and sell.

New Oak

Barrels being used for the first time.

New World

Wine regions outside traditional European areas.

Noble Rot

Beneficial fungus (Botrytis cinerea) for sweet wines.

Nose

The overall aromatic character of wine.