In Germany, the Amtliche Prufnummer is a registry number that appears on labels that indicates the wine as having been tasted and passing the requirements of its designation.
An Aperitif is a drink served before a meal. These are often sweet and are used to wet the appetite.
Appellation, or appellation of origin is simply another name for the place in which the dominant grapes used in the wine are grown. It can be the name of a country, state, county or geographic region called a viticultural area. A country, state or county...
The French term Appellation Controlee (sometimes seen as AOC - Appellation d'Origine Controlee) is given to wines by the government which are rated as being in the highest category. Wines having this designation are certified as coming from their stated...
The French term for "harsh." Often applied to young wines having very forward tannins.