Ugni Blanc
A white grape variety that is mainly grown in France and is particularly well known for the production of Cognac and Armagnac. It is resistant to rot and produces a high acidity, making it ideal for distillation.
Umami
A flavour often referred to as the "fifth taste" alongside sweet, sour, bitter and salty. It is often associated with a meaty or savoury taste and is found in many fermented and aged foods such as soy sauce, aged cheese and some wines.
Umbuglande
A traditional drink from South Africa made from fermented maize and sorghum. It is a slightly alcoholic, nutritious drink that is often made in rural communities.
Umeshu
A sweet Japanese liqueur made by fermenting ume fruit (a type of Japanese plum) with sugar and alcohol. Umeshu has a sweet, fruity flavour and is often used as a digestif or in cocktails.
Usquebaugh
Old term for whisky, which comes from the Gaelic and means "water of life". Today, the term is mainly used in historical contexts or in poetry.
Uva
Italian and Spanish word for grape. It is often used in the wine industry to refer to the fruit from which the wine is made.
Uvula
Originally an anatomical term for the uvula, it is sometimes used figuratively in sensory science to describe the after-effect of flavour on the back of the palate.