How to Pronounce Popular Wine Names Correctly

When it comes to discussing your favorite wines, knowing how to pronounce the names can enhance your experience and impress your friends at your next gathering. While many wine names are rooted in French, Italian, or Spanish, some can be tricky to pronounce. Let’s explore some common wine names that people often get wrong and learn how to say them correctly.

1. Châteauneuf-du-Pape (shah-toh-nurf doo pahp): This French wine is named after a region in the Rhône Valley known for its rich, full-bodied red wines. The name translates to "The Pope’s New Castle" and is pronounced as "shah-toh-nurf doo pahp."

2. Viognier (vee-ohn-yay): This aromatic white grape variety is grown in the Rhône Valley and other wine regions worldwide. Viognier produces wines with fragrant aromas of flowers and stone fruits, and its name is pronounced as "vee-ohn-yay."

3. Gewürztraminer (guh-vurts-trah-mee-ner): This white wine variety is known for its intense aromas and flavors of lychee, rose petals, and spices. Gewürztraminer originates from the Alsace region of France, and its pronunciation is "guh-vurts-trah-mee-ner."

4. Pinot Noir (pee-noh nwahr): One of the most popular and revered red wine varieties, Pinot Noir is known for its elegant and delicate flavors. This grape variety is grown in Burgundy and other regions worldwide. The correct pronunciation is "pee-noh nwahr."

5. Sangiovese (sahn-jo-veh-zeh): A key grape variety in Italian wines, particularly in Tuscany, Sangiovese is known for its bright acidity and flavors of red fruit and herbs. Its pronunciation is "sahn-jo-veh-zeh."

6. Chianti (kee-ahn-tee): Chianti is a wine region in Tuscany famous for its red wines made primarily from Sangiovese grapes. The name of the wine is pronounced "kee-ahn-tee."

7. Sancerre (sahn-sair): Sancerre is a French wine region in the Loire Valley known for its crisp, aromatic white wines made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Its pronunciation is "sahn-sair."

8. Rioja (ree-oh-ha): This Spanish wine region produces some of the most celebrated red wines in the world, primarily from Tempranillo grapes. The name of the wine is pronounced as "ree-oh-ha."

Now that you know how to pronounce these wine names correctly, you can confidently discuss your favorite wines and enjoy them even more! Cheers!