Wine Glossary

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Early Harvest- Denotes a wine made from early-harvested grapes, usually lower than average in alcoholic content or sweetness.

Earthy- Used to describe both positive and negative attributes in wine. At its best, a pleasant, clean quality that adds complexity to aroma and flavors. The flip side is a funky, barnyardy character that borders on or crosses into dirtiness.

Elegant- Used to describe wines of grace, balance and beauty.

Empty- Similar to hollow; devoid of flavor and interest.

Enology- The science and study of winemaking. Also spelled oenology.

Estate-bottled- A term once used by producers for those wines made from vineyards that they owned and that were contiguous to the winery "estate." Today it indicates the winery either owns the vineyard or has a long-term lease to purchase the grapes.

Ethyl Acetate- A sweet, vinegary smell that often accompanies acetic acid. It exists to some extent in all wines and in small doses can be a plus. When it is strong and smells like nail polish, it's a defect.

Extra-dry- A common Champagne term not to be taken literally. Most Champagnes so labeled are sweet.

Extract- Richness and depth of concentration of fruit in a wine. Usually a positive quality, although high extract wine can also be highly tannic.