Bitter

A harsh flavor in wine, often derived from stems and seeds that have been carelessly or inadvertently crushed along with the grapes. Bitterness can also be caused by unripe grapes or unripe tannins. In certain big red wines, a slight bitterness is considered a positive nuance, just as it would be in a good espresso.

The name “Burgundy” comes from:

A. The medieval French word for a small village, similar to the Old English “burg”

B. A nomadic German tribe which once settled in the area

C. The Latin word Burgarius which was the name for a Roman province that once extended over most of central France

D. The early French rural governing bodies which were made up of noble councilmen known as Burrs

The name Burgundy dates back to the 6^th century when a barbaric, wandering Germanic tribe known as Burgondes established a settlement in central France after the fall of the Roman Empire. They called the region Burgundia. However, even before the region was named, grapes grew in Burgundy. The area’s first documented vineyard was planted in the village of Meursault in the first century A.D.

“I know that knowing a lot about wine means I know how little I know.”

—Carole Meredith
Professor Emerita, Department of Viticulture & Enology
University of California

Bitter

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