Wine producer talks straight

AN Australian wine producer has created a straight-talking guide to explain the language used by wine experts.

Terms such as “full-bodied”, “oaked” and “chewy” are included in the McWilliams bid to demystify winespeak. It follows a British survey which reveals a quarter of people stick to house wine in restaurants because they are confused by descriptions on the menu. McWilliams says “pretentious” and “flowery” language is to blame for consumers’ lack of confidence.

Nearly two-thirds (60%) of survey respondents said they would not send back wine they were unhappy with in a bar or restaurant for fear of looking stupid.