Wine & Beverages

Limoncello is a bright, lemon-infused Italian liqueur traditionally served as an after-dinner digestivo. The word names the drink and its aroma, derived from lemon zest macerated in alcohol, then sweetened. In usage, it refers to the beverage itself, its flavor profile, and the cultural context of the Amalfi Coast.

Madeira is a feminine noun referring to the Portuguese island known for its wine, or more generally to anything from Madeira (the archipelago). In common usage it names the island’s wine and its distinct brand. It is pronounced with three syllables and a stressed first or second syllable depending on context in Portuguese, but English usage adopts a stable /məˈdɪərə/ pattern when referring to the island or wine.

Malbec is a red wine grape variety widely associated with the Bordeaux and Cahors regions, though it is most famous today for producing deep, dark, full-bodied wines in Argentina. The term also denotes wines made from the Malbec grape. In English usage, it refers specifically to the variety and the resulting wine. Pronunciation guidance below focuses on the name itself.

Manhattan is a proper noun referring to a borough of New York City, commonly used to denote the area itself or the style associated with it. It is pronounced with a three-syllable rhythm and notable stress on the second syllable, yielding a distinctive

Mead is a noun referring to an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting honey with water, sometimes with fruits, spices, or hops. It can also denote a meadow or a sense of pastoral calm in literature. In everyday usage, it most often means the honey-wine drink, historically significant in many cultures and occasionally appearing in poetry and folklore.

Mimosa is a small, delicate flowering shrub or tree (Mimosa pudica-like in some regions) or a cocktail beverage made with champagne and orange juice. In botany, it refers to a genus of plants known for fernlike leaves and bright-yellow blooms. In everyday usage, the word commonly denotes the drink, especially at brunch and social gatherings.

Mojito is a tall Cuban cocktail typically made with white rum, sugar (or simple syrup), lime juice, soda water, and fresh mint. It’s known for its refreshing, bright, minty-sour flavor and is commonly served over ice. As a noun, it refers to the drink itself, often enjoyed in social settings or bars worldwide.

Moscato is a sweet, lightly sparkling white wine named after the Muscat grape family. In English usage it refers to the wine style, often enjoyed as a dessert or aperitif, and can also describe varieties labeled Moscato d’Asti. It is commonly pronounced with a soft first syllable and a clear, open final syllable.

Nebbiolo is a high-quality Italian red grape variety and the wine produced from it, famed for its aromatic complexity and tannic structure. The term also refers to wines made from Nebbiolo grapes, notably Barolo and Barbaresco. The word itself comes from Italian, used primarily in enology and wine culture, with pronunciation shaped by Italian phonology.

Pastis is a brightly flavored, anise- and spice-based liqueur grid of Mediterranean origin, traditionally served diluted with water. It’s commonly associated with French aperitif culture, presenting a strong aroma and a cloudy appearance when mixed. The term also refers to the beverage itself, produced in several countries, with each brand offering a distinctive balance of herbs and sweetness.

Petite Sirah is a grape variety name used primarily for a dark-skinned wine varietal from California and Australia. Despite the name, the wine is sometimes called Durif in some regions. The term Petite Sirah is a marketing label that distinguishes it from other varietals, signaling a robust, deep-colored wine with pronounced fruit and tannin characteristics.

Pinot Grigio is a well-known white wine producer's name and varietal label used primarily for Italian wines. It is often used in English to refer to both the Italian grape Pinot Gris grown in Italy and wines labelled Grigio. In common usage, it denotes a crisp, light-to-medium-bodied white wine, typically with citrus or green apple notes.

Rum is a distilled spirit made from fermented sugarcane products, typically aged in barrels to develop flavor. In everyday use, the word also refers to the spirit itself and appears in phrases like “rum punch.” It is a short, one-syllable noun with a crisp, rounded vowel sound and a trailing consonant that’s often elided in casual speech.

Rye is a short, monosyllabic noun referring to a cereal grain used in bread, whiskey, and animal feed. It has a crisp, high-front vowel quality and a closed syllable structure. In everyday speech it functions as a concrete noun, often appearing in culinary contexts or as a specific type of whiskey, bread, or grain.

Sake is a noun meaning the traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice. It can also refer to purpose or motive in set phrases like for the sake of. In everyday English, it’s pronounced as a two-syllable word, with emphasis on the first syllable; careful pronunciation helps distinguish it from similar-looking words and from the Japanese term for “rice wine.”

Sangiovese is a medium- to high-acidity Italian red wine grape variety, primarily grown in Tuscany and central Italy, known for producing wines with cherry, plum, and herbal notes. It is the flagship grape for classics like Chiant i and Brunello di Montalcino blends. The name combines 'sangiu-' (blood) and '-gio/se' (of Jupiter/joy), reflecting its historical Vinum Familiae traditions.

Sangria is a noun referring to a cold, fruit-infused wine punch, typically from Spain or Portugal. It generally consists of red wine, chopped fruit, a sweetener, and a small amount of spirits or soda. The term is widely used in English to describe this beverage, often served in social settings or at gatherings. The word emphasizes the festive, refreshing nature of the drink.

Sauternes is a French noun referring to a well-known sweet wine produced in the Sauternais region of Bordeaux, often associated with botrytized dessert wines. In English, it is used as the name of the wine and sometimes the place. The term is typically plural when referring to the wines as a category.

Sauvignon Blanc is a light- to medium-bodied white wine grape variety, widely grown for producing crisp, aromatic wines. The term also refers to wines made from this grape. Pronunciation is often split into two words, with emphasis on the first syllable of Sauvignon and a silent “t” in Blanc in many English contexts.

A smoothie is a thick, blended beverage made from fruit, vegetables, and often yogurt or milk. It’s typically smooth in texture and served chilled, enjoyed as a nutritious, convenient drink or meal replacement. The term emphasizes a liquid-perfect consistency achieved by blending ingredients until velvety and uniform.

Sour is a noun referring to a taste that is acidic and tart, often sharp or biting. It can describe flavors, reactions, or moods that are sharp, caustic, or unpleasant. In culinary contexts it denotes tanginess, while in idiomatic use it can characterize experiences or outcomes that are disappointing or acidic in nature.

Syrah is a dark-skinned grape variety grown for red wines, notably in the Rhône Valley and Australia. The term also refers to wines produced from this grape. It is commonly pronounced with two syllables, emphasizing the first, and is often rendered as “SEE-rah” or “sih-RAH” depending on region and speaker.

Tempranillo is a Spanish red-wine grape variety and the wine made from it, renowned for producing medium- to full-bodied wines with cherry, plum, and tobacco notes. It is also the dominant grape in many Ribera del Duero and Rioja blends. The term identifies both the grape and its characteristic wine style in Spanish-speaking regions and export markets.