Quick Review System

The following is how we've chosen to categorize the wines we review here at Local Vinacular.

We use the following main categories in describing wines, and these will begin our Quick Reviews. These are described throughout the rest of the blog.

  • Quality 
  • Descriptor 
  • Nose 
  • Flavors 
  • Body 

Quality: Stolen from George Orwell, I use the Double Plus Good system:

++ for excellent wines, + for good wines, / for acceptable wines, - for bad, -- for undrinkable, but since we are kindhearted folk, you probably won’t hear much on the last two unless there is a story to go along with it.

Descriptor: This clever idea is based off a wonderful NYC wine shop, Best Cellars. We too feel that most wines can be broken down into some broad categories:

  • Crisp 
  • Fruity 
  • Sweet 
  • Smooth 
  • Robust
  • Earthy 
  • Spicy 
  • Funky 
  • Bubbly 
Nose and Flavor: Nothing revolutionary here, just our interpretation of the scents and flavors of the wine. This info is probably most important for those trying to enjoying wine.

Body: Light, Medium. or Full, answering the question, "how long do the flavors linger on the tongue or hold up to other strong flavors?"

Questions? Post a comment for us.