Table wine
A simple wine that is defined as a basic quality level in European wine regulations. Table wines must fulfil certain minimum requirements, but are less strictly regulated than quality or Prädikat wines.
Tannins
Natural compounds found primarily in the skins and seeds of grapes and in wooden barrels. They contribute to the structure, colour and ageing potential of the wine. Tannins are also responsible for the "dry" mouthfeel of many red wines.
Tawny Port
Port wine that acquires its characteristic brownish colour through prolonged ageing in oak barrels. Tawny ports are often sweet and nutty and are usually drunk as a dessert wine.
Tequila
Tequila is a spirit made exclusively from the blue Weber agave (Agave tequilana) and is produced in certain regions of Mexico, particularly around the city of Tequila in the state of Jalisco. The distillate is characterized by a distinctive taste that is marked by the herbal, sweet and sometimes slightly earthy notes of the agave. Tequila is available in different varieties, including Blanco (unaged), Reposado (aged for at least two months in oak barrels) and Añejo (aged for at least one year in oak barrels). It plays a central role in many cocktails, such as Margarita and Tequila Sunrise, and is also drunk straight. The protected designation of origin guarantees that genuine tequila is produced authentically using traditional methods.
Terroir
French term for the specific geographical and climatic conditions that characterise wine, coffee or other agricultural products.
Tonic water
A carbonated drink flavoured with quinine, which gives it a characteristic bitter taste. It is a popular mixed drink like gin and tonic.
Triple sec
A clear, strong orange liqueur obtained from the distillation of orange peel. It is an important ingredient in many cocktails, including the Cosmopolitan and the Long Island Iced Tea.
Tsipouro
A traditional Greek grape marc spirit, similar to Italian grappa. Tsipouro is often drunk as an after-dinner digestif, sometimes unsweetened or flavoured with aniseed.
Tumbler
A short, wide glass often used for drinks "on the rocks", i.e. for cocktails or spirits on ice.
Tutovka
A traditional Macedonian schnapps made from mulberries. It is known for its sweet, intense flavour.
Typicity
A term used to describe the characteristic qualities of a wine that are typical of its origin, including the terroir, grape variety and winemaking technique.