Oaky

/OH-kee/

Pronounced oak character in wine.

Full Definition

Oaky describes wines with prominent oak-derived flavors - vanilla, toast, caramel, coconut, or char - that may dominate fruit character. Can be intentional style (some New World wines) or considered excessive. Modern trends favor more restrained oak. Over-oaking is a common criticism of wines from the 1990s-2000s.

Related Terms

oak vanilla toasty

See Also

Oak Chips Back to Glossary Oenology

More terms starting with O

Oak

Wood used for barrels, adding flavor and texture to wine.

Oenology

The science of winemaking.

Off-Dry

Wine with slight perceptible sweetness.

Old Vines

Mature grapevines, typically 35+ years old.

Old World

Traditional European wine regions.

Olfactory

Relating to the sense of smell.