…………..And why you shouldn’t be paisay to use them!

Ever hear someone swirl their glass, sniff twice and go, “Ah yes, this has exceptional minerality and silky tannins,” and you’re like… bro, can just say “nice wine” or not?

We get it. Wine terms can sound super atas – like someone got possessed by a French uncle. But behind the fancy words? Real, useful ways to understand why a wine shiok or not.

Time to demystify. Here are 8 wine terms that might sound bougie, but once you understand them, confirm you’ll use at your next dinner party to impress your friends and scare your relatives.

1)Tannins
Atas level: 7/10

Actually means: That dry, puckery feeling you get after sipping red wine – like someone vacuumed the moisture from your tongue.

Local analogy: Like kopi-o gao or really strong Chinese tea. Dry, intense, and very power.

Geek Pick: Love a bold red? Go for 2022 Norton Privada Family Blend – Argentina’s Bordeaux-style blend done right. Or treat yourself with the 2021 Tua Rita Redigaffi Toscana IGT – the cult Merlot king from Tuscany.

2) Minerality
Atas level: 9/10

Actually means: A crisp, fresh, sometimes stony taste you get in whites like Chablis or Riesling.

Local analogy: Like sipping Perrier while eating BBQ sambal stingray. Got that clean, salty, smoky synergy.

Geek Pick: Try the 2022 Charles Frey Granite Riesling Alsace – this one’s so mineral you’ll think you just licked a wet pebble in the Alps. But sexy.

3) Finish
Atas level: 6/10

Actually means: How long the flavour stays in your mouth after you swallow.

Local analogy: Like durian. If it disappears in 2 seconds, not shiok. If still got taste while you’re MRT-ing home = power wine.

Geek Pick: 2004 Bruno Paillard N.P.U. “Nec Plus Ultra” – Champagne with a finish longer than your boss’s Monday meetings. Luxe, layered, legendary.

4) Bouquet
Atas level: 10/10

Actually means: The smell of the wine, especially once it opens up in the glass.

Local analogy: That moment your bak kut teh hits your face at Rong Cheng – deep, layered, nostalgic.

Geek Pick: Swirl a 2016 Château Les Valentines Bagnard Rouge – the nose is so perfumed and complex, you’ll want to dab some on your neck.

5) Body
Atas level: 5/10

Actually means: How heavy or light the wine feels in your mouth.

Local analogy: Like comparing kaya toast to a Ramly burger. One light, one solid AF.

Geek Pick: 2024 Norton Colección de los Andes Torrontés – a light-bodied floral white that’s great for hot days and spicy laksa. For full body, try 2023 Norton Reserva Malbec – rich, velvety and unapologetically bold.

6) Jammy
Atas level: 3/10 – surprisingly easy

Actually means: A wine that tastes like stewed fruit or fruit jam – rich, sweet, and bold.

Local analogy: Like opening a jar of kaya with your wine.

Geek Pick: 2022 Fatascia Nero D’Avola – jammy, juicy, Sicilian sunshine in a bottle, and under $40. Shiok max.

7) Earthy
Atas level: 6/10

Actually means: A savoury, forest-floor vibe – like wet leaves, mushrooms, soil. Sounds weird, tastes complex.

Local analogy: Smell like Bukit Timah after rain. But make it sexy.

Geek Pick: 2020 Diego Conterno Dolcetto d’Alba – textbook earthy, Italian soul with a bit of truffle mood.

8) Yeasty / Bready
Atas level: 8/10

Actually means: Often found in Champagne or traditional method sparklers – that warm toast, croissant, doughy smell.

Local analogy: Like stepping into Tiong Bahru Bakery, but it’s bubbles.

Geek Pick: NV Charles de Cazanove Cuvee Bio – all brioche, baked apple and creamy mousse, without needing to say “organic” ten times.

Final Sip

You don’t need a sommelier badge or wine diploma to enjoy wine. You just need curiosity, a bit of cheek, and maybe a bottle from Vin Geek’s online shop. Wine is for everyone – atas terms or not.

So next time you swirl your glass and someone gives you side-eye, just say:
“Don’t worry lah. I just appreciating the minerality.”

Explore More

Shop All Vin Geek Wines
Champagne
Vin Geek’s Top Picks Under $40
Learn more wine terms from Wine Folly (external link – but still solid lah)