The sharpness or tartness noticed by the taste buds, has to do with acidity. The acid is partly responsible for the bouquet and aging potential of a wine. Acid Description of a wine that was spoilt by acetic acid during aging - tastes of vinegar. The process by which wine is kept in wooden vats or bottles to develop the character of the wine and to soften it. The aging or maturation period depends on the type of wine and its character.
Most wines improve in the bottle, unlike spirits.
Alcohol Alcohol is present in all wines, and spirits are ethyl alcohol, a colourless liquid with slight, but pleasant ethereal smell. A preservative, stimulant, narcotic, tranquilizer - depending on the user's approach. The strength of wine depends on its alcohol content, which is usually expressed as a percentage of volume. 24 None Cream liqueur 16.5 None Aperitif A drink which stimulates the appetite. Dry sherry, vermouth, and cocktails are the usual aperitifs in South Africa.