Here are the definitions for the letter "a"

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ALTESSE

Semi-classic grape grown in the Savoie region of France. Used with another local grape, the Molette, to create a blend known as "Seyssell" white wine made to be drunk as young as possible. Also used for the superior "Roussette de Savoie" white wine blend created with Mondeuse grape wine. Once thought to have origins in Cyprus, the grape is now suspected of being related to, if not actually being, the Furmint grape of Hungary.

Amaro (Italy)

Means 'bitter', hence the wine Amarone.

Amer Picon

Amer Picon is a bitter cordial made with orange, gentian, and other ingredients. It has a bold bitter flavor and is often used as a digestive. At the current time, this product can be fairly difficult to find, and in fact doesn't appear to be available in the US at all. A substitute product was recently brought onto the market by the "Torani" company (best known for the coffee syrups that they make for espresso stands), called simply "Torani brand Amer". Unfortunately, while a good product on its own, it is not a suiteable replacement for Amer Picon in recipes that call for it.

American Oak

Along with French oak, American oak is the most widely used wood in the world to build barrels for wine aging. American oak barrels are most often used to age red wines (especially Zinfandels, Cabernets and Syrahs), Spanish Sherries, Australian red wines, Bourbon and Scotch. Less frequently utilized in the production of white wines, American oak has a different spice flavor than French oak. In fact, the flavors vary from different forests and states. Kentucky oak imparts mellower flavors, for example, than Oregon oak. Examples of two famous California wines aged in 100 percent American oak are the classic vintages of Beaulieu Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (from the 1940's to the 1970's) and ZD Chardonnay.

American Viticultural Area (AVA)

A particular geographical location, such as Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley, that has been officially designated a grape-growing area in the United States by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. See also: viticultural area.

American Viticultural Area (USA)

Abbreviated to AVA, this term describes a geographically defined region for growing grapes.

AMIGNE

Vigorous minor grape of ancient origin grown in the Valais district of Switzerland. Used to make an occasionally delicate, perfumed sweet white wine. The dry wine versions are considered to be somewhat ponderous by some.

Amontillado (Spain)

A true Amontillado Sherry is a matured Fino. When the flor dies and sinks to the bottom of the butt the wine loses its protection from oxidation conferred by the coating of yeast, and it begins to deepen and develop a rich, nutty flavour. Cheaper Amontillado is made by fortifying the wine, killing the yeast.

AMORGIANO

Alternative name for the Mandelaria red wine grape, widely grown on the Greek mainland, when found on the island of Rhodes - (see below).

Amtliche Prüfnummer (Germany)

The Amtliche Prüfnummer (or AP number) is a code assigned to each individual quality wine cuvée produced by every winemaker in Germany. For more information see my German wine guide.

Anbaugebiet (Germany)

The thirteen German growing regions, namely Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Rheingau, Rheinhessen, Nahe, Pfalz, Mittelrhein, Ahr, Baden, Franken, Hessische Bergstrasse, Württemberg, Saale-Unstrut and Sachsen.

ANCELLOTTA

Has several synonym names including Balsamina Nero, Lancelotta and Uvino. Variety mainly grown in central Italy (Emilia). Reported to have a tendency to high sugar, a neutral aroma profile and often used for blending with Sangiovese and Lambrusco red wines to produce a sweet (amabile) version.

ANDRÉ

Has synonym name Semenac A 16-76. Cultivar reported as developed in (former) Czechoslovakia and derived from a Lemberger x St. Laurent cross. Early ripening and recommended for creation of red wine. No other details as yet.

Angular (see also Austere, Crisp, Fresh

The total effect of dominant, tart-edged flavours and taste impressions in many young dry wines. Has opposite meaning to round, soft or supple.

AP number (Germany)

See Amtliche Prüfnummer.