20 French Phrases to Impress at Wine Tastings

Wine tasting in France is an art form, and knowing the right phrases can enhance your experience. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned wine enthusiast, these expressions will help you navigate French wine tastings with confidence.

Essential Wine Tasting Vocabulary

Describing Aromas

• "Ce vin a des notes de..." (This wine has notes of...)
• "Je sens des arômes de..." (I smell aromas of...)

Example: "Ce vin a des notes de fruits rouges et de chêne." (This wine has notes of red fruits and oak.)

Discussing Taste

• "En bouche, il est..." (On the palate, it's...)
• "La finale est..." (The finish is...)

Example: "En bouche, il est rond et velouté." (On the palate, it's round and velvety.)

Commenting on Appearance

• "La robe est..." (The color is...)
• "Les larmes sont..." (The legs are...)

Example: "La robe est rubis profond." (The color is deep ruby.)

Useful Phrases for Interaction

• "Pouvez-vous me parler de ce millésime ?" (Can you tell me about this vintage?)
• "Quel est le cépage principal ?" (What's the main grape variety?)
• "Comment décririez-vous le terroir ?" (How would you describe the terroir?)

Expressing Appreciation

• "Ce vin est vraiment équilibré." (This wine is really well-balanced.)
• "J'apprécie la complexité de ce vin." (I appreciate the complexity of this wine.)

Remember, practice makes perfect. Use these phrases at your next wine tasting to sound like a true French wine enthusiast!