EARLY HARVEST.
When this term appears on the label of a bottle, it means that the grapes with which this wine has been made have been harvested earlier than usual and, as a result, its alcohol level and sweetness is lower.
EARTHY.
In its positive acceptance, it designates a clean quality which adds complexity to the aroma and flavour and is expressed as a sensation which is a combination of freshly humid ground and dust. It is characteristic of one of the nuances of the red wines made from ripe Cabernet and Merlot grapes. In its negative sense, it describes a strange farmyard flavour which verges on or even crosses the line which separates it from the quality of an off-odour.
EDGING.
This is the least intense colour of the wine if we compare it with that of the centre of the glass. It will be purplish or raspberry-colour if it is from the latest harvest; maroon, if it is a more mature wine; and Arab tile or brick-red if it has aged in the bottle for more than 5 years.
ELEGANT.
Describes a wine which combines a series of noble nuances (fragrant woods, light and pleasant complexity, open colours and, at the same time, bright) which are not of a great aromatic intensity but are highly harmonised. Harmony, balance and beauty are usually the defining characteristics of an elegant wine.
ENOLOGY.
The science and study of wine making.
EXTRA-DRY.
Common term referring to champagne and which should not be taken literally. A good main part of champagnes which are labelled as extra-dry are sweet.
