Wine Glossary Terms: S

Sancerre
A region in France's Rhone Region known for their Sauvignon Blancs. The typical "smoky" flavor of the Sauvignon grape that is grown in this area, together with part Pinot Noir grapes, characterizes the taste of the Sancerre wines. Sancerre wines are produced on 15 villages. The wines coming from Bue and Chavignol are recognized as the best.
Sauvignon Blanc
A white wine grape planted around the world. In France it is found in Bordeaux, where it is usually blended with Semillon to make a rich styled wine, but with very little varietal character. The Loire Valley of France is home to the villages of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume which may produce the truest expression of this grape. California versions are sometimes called Fume Blanc, a relic of a marketing ploy that popularized the grape, but confused the consumer since there is no clear cut difference between wines labeled Sauvignon Blanc and Fume Blanc. New Zealand is another bastion of Sauvignon Blanc. The distinct "freshly cut grass" aroma of Sauvignon Blanc can range from barely noticeable to overwhelming.
sediment
This is the stuff that looks like dirt inside the bottle that makes the liquid hazy when held to the light. Its is a combination of minerals, grape skins, dead yeast cells - anything and everything the juice came in contact with along it's fermentation process. Most wineries filter off these particles but some only filter to a certain degree. The sediment can add incredible complexity over years in a cellar left undisturbed. Most people are turned off when they see the sediment - just filter it off before you pour it in a glass. It won't harm you if you consume it.
Semillion
A white grape varietal most noted for making great wine out of Bordeaux and the Hunter Valley in Australia. Usually offers citrus flavors when made into a dry wine but more often, its turned into sweet, desert-style wines with flavors similar to honey, raisins and tropical fruits. This is because the vines are susceptible to rot (Botrytis Cinera) which in turn turns each grape into a sugar bomb of fruit.
sommelier
This person is a restaurant employee who orders and maintains the wines sold in the restaurant and usually has extensive knowledge about wine and food pairings.
spicey
A character in wine reminiscent of clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper, or other spices. Can be found in both red and white wines.
split
A quarter bottle of champagne, containing six ounces. Used frequently on airplanes and trains.
Steen
Another name for Chenin Blanc often used in South Africa. The term "Stein" is also used in South Africa, but refers to a semi sweet style of white wine. However, many "Stein" blends do contain a large percentage of Steen wine.
structure
How a wine is built. A wine with good structure has the proper proportions of acid, tannin, and fruit that combine to make a well-balanced wine in which all the properties meld together.
Syrah (Shiraz)
One of the great red wine grapes. At home in the Rhone valley of France, it has made its way to Australia where it is known as Shiraz as well as California where it is still known as Syrah.

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