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

Lactic acid is a byproduct of the fermentation process and is one of the many acids that contribute to a wine's overall acidity. Lactic acid is also created by a process called malolactic fermentation in which the harsher malic acid is converted to the softer lactic acid.

Late Harvest Wine

Late harvest wine is made from grapes that have been picked as late as possible. These late harvested grapes have shriveled, due to losing most of their water content and have very high sugar levels. In addition, some of these grapes become infected with noble rot. The resulting wine is luscious, sweet and honeyed.

Lean

Wines described as lean typically display subdued flavors and have a thin, angular feeling on the palate.

Lees

Lees refers to both the solid particles suspended in the wine must after crushing or pressing and the sediment (dead yeast, grape seeds, fining particles and other solids) that accompanies fermentation and fining. Wines, particularly whites, left in contact with the lees typically become more complex and full-bodied. Wine is removed from the lees through racking.

Legs

After a glass of wine is swirled, tracks of liquid, commonly referred to as legs or tears, can be observed descending down the sides of the glass. Because the legs are caused by the wine's alcohol and/or glycerol levels, thick, slowly descending legs typically indicate a wine with a relatively high alcohol level. The legs have no bearing on a wine's quality.

Length

The term "length" refers to the amount of time that a wine's aftertaste or finish is perceptible to the drinker. Wines with good length are typically enjoyed for ten seconds or more after they leave the mouth.

Library Wine

Not to be confused with wine consumed in the presence of books, library wines are those from a previous vintage that are still available for purchase from the winery.

Light

The term "light" is used to describe a wine's body as well as its texture. For certain varieties a sense of lightness would be expected whereas in others it would be regarded as a flaw.

Lively

Lively wines exhibit a fruity freshness and exuberance typically due to good acidity levels.

Lush

Lush wines are soft, velvety and concentrated.