If you’re looking to expand your wine knowledge, learning how to pronounce Italian and French wine names is a great place to start. Knowing the correct wine pronunciations of the many varieties of Italian and French wines can help you gain insight into the complexity of these two regions’ viticulture. Not only will it make you sound more informed when talking about your favorite wines, but it can also help you better appreciate what makes each bottle unique.
Wine Pronunciation guide
Wine is an immensely popular beverage that appeals to people of all ages, but it can be intimidating when trying to pronounce the different types. A wine pronunciations guide can help take some of the mystery out of ordering your favorite bottle at a restaurant or store.
For those just starting out, Pinot Noir is usually one of the easier ones to pronounce – it’s “pee-noh noar.” Other French wines like Chardonnay are also fairly straightforward – “shar-doh-nay” – and Riesling is pronounced “reece-ling”. It may help to repeat these terms in order for them to stick in your memory. Pinot grigio is pronounced “pee no gree jo.
Many Italian wines have names derived from their place of origin, so becoming familiar with these regions can be helpful when learning how to say them correctly.
Take a look at our wine pronunciation guide clip to discover if pee no gree jo or pee noh gree joe is correct and to see how to pronounce wine names!
Albariño Pronunciation
Albarino is a unique and flavorful wine, made from the grape of the same name. The grape itself comes from Galicia in northern Spain, where it flourishes in the cooler climate.
The albarino grape produces bright yellow-green wines with a hint of grey, offering aromas of ripe melon and peach with hints of other tropical fruit. Its medium body is balanced by an acidity that adds complexity to its flavor profile. On the palate it has flavors of citrus fruits and golden apples that linger on finish. Additionally, Albarino wines pair well with seafood dishes such as shellfish and salmon due to their naturally high acidity levels.
How to Pronounce Barbera
Barbera is a variety of wine grape originating from the Piedmont region in Italy. Its dark color and intense flavor make it one of the most popular grapes used in Italian winemaking. Known for its remarkable acidity, Barbera provides an ideal complement to many Italian dishes.
This red-skinned grape produces full-bodied wines that range in hue from ruby to deep purple, depending on how long it is aged. The aroma can be described as spicy and fruity, with the taste being tart yet smooth. Aged Barbera often has notes of plums, licorice and leather which creates a unique complexity on the palate. Aging also softens its high acidity, giving it great balance and longevity.
Brut Pronunciation
Brut is a designation for the dryness of wines especially sparkling wines and champagne. How to pronounce brut? It is not pronounced with a soft “T” but rather with a hard “T”. Refer to our video for a pronunciation example.
How to pronounce Brunello di Montalcino
This prestigious red wine is produced exclusively from Sangiovese grapes in the hills surrounding the wine region Montalcino, Tuscany. Its flavor expresses intense aromas of ripe fruit, spices, licorice, and tobacco.
Brunello di Montalcino has a deep ruby color with an elegant bouquet that brings to mind cherry jam, coffee beans and dark chocolate. This full-bodied red wine pairs wonderfully with grilled meats and aged cheeses. It can be enjoyed immediately or aged for several years in order to develop its complex flavors further. In 1980 Brunello di Montalcino obtained DOCG status (Controlled Denomination of Origin Guaranteed) which made it one of only two Italian wines to receive this distinction alongside Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG.
Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc Pronunciation
Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc are two popular red wine grapes used in winemaking. While both are members of the Cabernet family, their flavor profiles differ greatly. Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold red wine that is often described as having notes of cassis, blackberry and tobacco. It has intense tannin levels and high acidity, which gives it a tart finish.
On the other hand, Cabernet Franc is more delicate than its cousin with flavors of dark plum, red cherry and dried herb. Its softer tannins provide an appealing balance to its bright acidity, making it an excellent pairing for lighter dishes such as grilled vegetables or fish. Both wines can be enjoyed on their own or blended together in order to create complex combinations that can satisfy any palate.
How to pronounce Champagne and Chardonnay
Champagne is a sparkling white wine produced in the Champagne region of France. It is made with a blend of three grapes: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay. The unique mixture gives champagne its signature taste and bubbles. It strongly depends if you pronounce Champagne the English or French way.
On the other hand, Chardonnay is a full-bodied white wine that has a slight oak flavor depending on how it was aged. The grape used to make this type of wine originated from the Burgundy region and can be found elsewhere such as California and Australia.
Both Champagne and Chardonnay go well with many dishes such as seafood or poultry dishes due to their subtle flavors.
Chenin Blanc pronunciation
Chenin Blanc is an ideal white wine for any occasion. This deliciously crisp and refreshing grape variety offers a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, making it a favorite among many drinkers. It has a golden yellow color that ranges from light to dark depending on where it’s grown and how long it’s aged.
Chenin Blanc grapes provide white wine in several styles ranging from sweet to dry, sparkling to still, and from medium-bodied to full-bodied. Its unique flavor profile is often compared to apples, honeycomb, melon, citrus fruit, floral notes of honeysuckle or jasmine, and sometimes even baked bread or almond paste. Its natural acidity makes Chenin Blanc the perfect pairing for seafood dishes like oysters or sushi as well as creamy sauces found in pasta dishes or risotto.
How to pronounce Chianti
The world-renowned Chianti is a beloved Italian red wine made from the Sangiovese grape. Its deep, ruby color and subtly smoky aroma tantalize the senses of wine lovers everywhere. Chianti is a dry, medium-bodied table wine with flavors of sweet cherries and raspberry balanced by subtle, herbal notes.
Chianti has been produced in Italy’s Tuscany region since the Middle Ages, though its modern incarnation dates to the early 19th century when winemakers began blending Chianti with other grapes to create its signature flavor profile.
Today’s Chianti wines are bottled under strict guidelines that ensure consistent quality across vintages and producers. The traditional bottles feature a straw wrapper called a fiasco that adds distinctive flair to any dinner table setting. How do you pronounce Chianti? It`s pronounced kee-an-tee!
Dolcetto
Dolcetto is a type of Italian red wine that has been produced for centuries. It is made with the Dolcetto grape, which is native to the Piedmont region of Italy. This dark-skinned grape gives Dolcetto its rich ruby color and aromas of blackberry, cherry and spice. The medium-bodied wine has an intense flavor that pairs well with food, making it a popular choice among wine lovers around the world.
Dolcetto can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various dishes such as grilled meats, mushroom risotto or aged cheeses. When served chilled, it produces notes of sweet plum and violet flowers, while when served at room temperature hints of prune and licorice come through.
Grüner Veltliner or gruner veltliner pronunciation
Grüner Veltliner is one of two Austrian “National grapes”. This white wine has become a popular choice among those who enjoy its light, crisp flavor. Grüner Veltliner grapes are usually light green or yellow in color and have an intense aromatic nose when fully ripe.
So how is Grüner Veltliner pronounced? Take a look an our tutorial clip or try “grew ner velt lee ner” or the short version “velt lee ner”.
The history of this Austrian specialty dates back to the early 1800’s, making it one of the oldest and most recognizable wines from this region. It is known for its high acidity levels and mineral notes that balance out the fruit flavors in each glass. The flavor profile ranges from dry to medium-bodied with hints of stone fruits, citrus, white pepper, honeydew melon, and herbs like sage or rosemary depending on their vintage year.
Loire
The Loire Valley in France is one of the most celebrated and beloved wine regions in the world. Located in western France, it is a picturesque region full of rolling hills and lush vineyards.
Its winemaking heritage dates back to the Roman Empire, making it one of the oldest sites in Europe for growing grapes. The Loire has produced some of France’s most famous wines including Sancerre, Muscadet, Vouvray and Chinon.
In addition to its rich history, the Loire is well known for its diverse selection of white wines that span from dry to sweet. Sauvignon Blanc is grown on limestone soils near Pouilly-Fume and Sancerre. Chenin Blanc reigns supreme further south in Anjou-Saumur and Touraine-Vendome appellations.
How to pronounce Macabeo
Macabeo is a grape variety that originates from the Aragon region of Spain. It has long been used as a key ingredient in many popular Spanish wines, and is also known by its international name, Viura. The grape has a distinctive pale yellow color with green hues and produces light-bodied white wines. These wines tend to be dry and crisp.
The Macabeo grape is an important part of Spanish culture and history; it is one of the most widely planted white wine grapes in Spain, especially in Rioja and Navarra regions. This variety can also be found in other parts of Europe including Italy, France, Portugal and Switzerland. Macabeo’s low acidity makes it ideal for blending with other varieties such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for complexity or richness.
Malbec Pronunciation
Malbec is a red wine grape that has become very popular in recent years. It is often associated with the region of Cahors, France where it originates. You can find it in other parts of the world, too. Malbec grapes have a deep purple-blue color and are known for producing full-bodied wines with intense berry flavors.
The popularity of Malbec has grown significantly since its introduction to Argentina in the mid-19th century. Today, Malbec wines are available from various regions and countries such as Chile, Australia, California, and South Africa.
The unique flavor profile of these wines make them ideal for pairing with various dishes like steak or pasta dishes with rich sauces.
How to pronounce Merlot
Merlot is a type of red wine that has grown in popularity over recent years. It is made from the dark-skinned Merlot grape variety, which originates from the Bordeaux region of France. The color of Merlot can vary depending on where it is grown. Some wines appear more purple or ruby in hue while others have a darker, almost blueish tint.
Merlot grapes are easy to cultivate and thrive best in moderate climates ranging from cool to warm temperatures. The flavors that these grapes produce are quite diverse. This includes fruits such as black cherries, blueberries and plums as well as herbs and spices like pepper or tobacco.
Merlot pairs well with many different types of foods. You can pair it preferably with beef, lamb, pork and poultry dishes due to its medium body and soft tannins.
Moscato pronunciation
Moscato is a sweet white wine made in Italy, known for its light golden color and sparkling taste. It is created using the Moscato Bianco grape which has been around since ancient Roman times. This varietal produces a slightly fruity flavor with hints of honey, apricot, peach, and pineapple that gives this wine its distinct taste.
How to pronounce Muscadet
Muscadet is a dry white wine made in France’s Loire Valley region. It comes from the Melon de Bourgogne grape which is believed to have originated in Burgundy but was brought to Loire during the 17th century.
Nebbiolo Pronunciation
Nebbiolo is a grape variety most commonly associated with the Piedmont region of northwest Italy. It has been cultivated in this area since the mid-19th century, and is now regarded as one of the most prestigious Italian wines. This variety of grape produces bold and flavorful reds, and often ages well over time.
The name Nebbiolo is derived from an Italian word meaning “fog”, which is thought to refer to the thick fog that often covers vineyards in Piedmont during harvest season. The grapes found on these vines are small and round with a pale pink color. When made into wine, Nebbiolo offers aromas of dried rose petals, tar, tobacco and licorice.
How to Pronounce Pinot Gris
The Pinot Gris grape variety is a white wine grape originating from the Burgundy region in France. It was first recorded in 1711 and is now grown throughout Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
The name ‘Pinot Gris’ translates to ‘grey pinot’. This is reflective of the greyish hue that can be seen on some of its skins when ripe. However, depending on where it is grown around the world there can be many different shades ranging from pink to brown to blue-black.
The flavor profile of each Pinot Gris depends largely on where it was produced. Ageing of the wine before bottling has an influence, too. Generally speaking, however, it has a medium body. You can find flavors of citrus fruits such as lemon or lime along with notes of green apple or pear.
Pinot Grigio Pronunciation
Pinot Grigio is one of the most popular white wines in the world. It originates from the northern Italian region of Alto Adige. Pinot Grigio is a crisp and light-bodied wine made from the eponymous grape variety.
The name ‘Grigio’ means grey in Italian, which refers to its pale yellowish-green color when viewed through the bottle. This dry white wine has a refreshingly tart acidity that pairs perfectly with lighter dishes such as salads or seafood.
This versatile varietal has gained immense popularity due to its mouthwatering flavor profile. The aroma ranges from citrus and almond notes to tropical fruits like mango and pineapple. Pinot Grigio can be enjoyed by itself but also serves as an excellent accompaniment to meals featuring pasta, fish or poultry dishes.
How to Pronounce Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is one of the most popular and sought-after grapes used to make wine. Originating from the Burgundy region of France, Pinot Noir is a thin-skinned grape that produces a deep red or ruby colored full-bodied wine.
Pinot Noir is known for its notes of earthy complexity and bright acidity. It has been described as “the heartbreak grape” due to its difficulty in cultivating it.
The name Pinot Noir itself translates to “black pine”. It refers to the tight clusters of grapes found on this variety of vines. Despite its challenging nature, this age-old variety has seen a resurgence in popularity over the last few decades. Many winemakers around the world are attempting their own versions.
Pronunciation of Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio is a light-bodied, crisp white wine that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Derived from the pinot gris grape variety, it displays delicate flavours of citrus and green apple, as well as subtle notes of honey and almond. Additionally, this delightful wine has a unique color. This gives it its name: Pinot Grigio translates to ‘grey pine’ in Italian due to the greyish-blue hue of the grapes.
This delicious wine originates from the Northern Italy wine region. It is produced in many other regions around the world including France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. As far as characteristics go, Pinot Grigio wines are typically low in tannins with moderate acidity levels. They pair beautifully with seafood dishes such as scallops or salmon.
Pronunciation of Prosecco
How to pronounce prosecco? Prosecco is a sparkling wine which is produced in the Veneto region of north Italy. Only Glera grapes are allowed to be used for the prosecco sparkling wine. How do you pronounce prosecco? It`s pronounced pruh-seh-kow!
How to pronounce Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is a white wine that is made from the grape of the same name. It originates in France but is now produced in many different countries around the world. Sauvignon Blanc has a crisp and dry taste, with flavours ranging from green pepper to citrus fruits. Its color can range from pale yellow to light green or even grey-ish hues.
The Sauvignon Blanc grape itself is quite distinctive. It has large berries and with conical shape making it easily identifiable amongst other grape varieties. This variety of wine ages well, becoming smoother and more refined over time.
The distinct flavor of Sauvignon Blanc makes it an ideal accompaniment for seafood dishes. You can pair it as well with salads and cheese platters.
Conclusion
You have learned how to pronounce wine names of different white wine grape and red wine varieties. With a little excercise you will be able to pronounce wine names correctly next time you order a bottle of wine.