A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Lactic Acid
A smooth (not sharp) acid created during malolactic fermentation. This acid is also found in milk.

Landwein
German quality classification. Landwein is a slightly higher quality level within the Tafelwein, the lowest designation.

Late Harvest
On labels, indicates that a wine was made from grapes picked later than normal and at a higher sugar (Brix) level than normal. Usually associated with botrytized and dessert-style wines.

Leafy
Describes the slightly herbaceous, vegetal quality reminiscent of leaves. Can be a positive or a negative, depending on whether it adds to or detracts from a wine’s flavor.

Lean
Describes wines made in an austere style. Not necessarily a critical term, but when used as a term of criticism, it indicates a wine is lacking in fruit.

Leather
The aroma of old leather club chairs, most frequently associated with older red wines.

Lees
Sediment—dead yeast cells, grapeseeds, stems, pulp and tartrates (harmless tartaric acid crystals)—remaining in a barrel or tank during and after fermentation. “Sur lie” is a French term for aging a wine on its lees.

Legs
The viscous droplets that form and ease down the sides of the glass when the wine is swirled.

Length
The amount of time that taste, flavor or mouthfeel persist after swallowing a wine. The longer the finish, the better the wine quality. Common descriptors are short, long and lingering.

Lieu-Dit
Place name, or named vineyard, the smallest parcel that can be named in an appellation.

Limousin
A forest near Limoges, France, that produces oak for barrels. The loose-grained wood from this area readily imparts flavors to wine.

Lingering
Used to describe the persistence of flavor in a wine after tasting. When the aftertaste remains on the palate for several seconds, it is said to be lingering.

Lively
Describes wines that are fresh and fruity, bright and vivacious.

Luscious (or Lush)
Describes wines that are soft, viscous, fleshy and round; more often associated with sweet white wines than rich red wines.