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

Hard

Wines are considered to be hard when their tannins or acids are out of proportion resulting in an abrasive, difficult to drink wine. Exceptionally hard wines are routinely called harsh.

Harmonious

Wines are described as harmonious when they are well balanced and the structure and flavors compliment each other exceptionally well.

Herbaceous

Wines are referred to as herbaceous when flavors and aromas of herbs such as basil, thyme, mint, sage, oregano, and rosemary are present.

Hollow

As a wine is tasted, it should have a consistent feeling of fullness and weight. Wines are typically referred to as hollow when they start and end strong but are lacking in flavor and/or structure in the midpalate.

Honeyed

Desert wines that have been affected by noble rot routinely exhibit aromas and flavors of honey.

Horizontal Wine Tasting

In a horizontal wine tasting, all the wines are from the same vintage and may or may not be from the same region or of the same variety. Horizontal tasting is usually used to compare wines produced from various regions or wineries during a particular year. Hot: Wines are described as hot when their alcohol content is out of proportion with the rest of the wine's components and a slight burning sensation can be detected in the back of the throat.

Hybrid

Hybrid grape vines are created by crossing two different species. Hybrids can happen naturally through cross-pollination, but most are intentionally created in an attempt to combine attributes of two different species-typically in an attempt to overcome harmful climatic conditions. Examples of American hybrids include Catawba, Deleware, Isabella and Niagara. French hybrids include Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc and Baco Noir.

Hot

Wines are described as hot when their alcohol content is out of proportion with the rest of the wine's components and a slight burning sensation can be detected in the back of the throat.