Here are the definitions for the letter "v"

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Vintage Character Port

Sometimes labeled Reserve Port, these wines are richer bottlings than standard Ruby Ports due to the addition of vintage-quality wines. The flavors are meant to suggest the attributes of Vintage Port for a fraction of the price.

Vintage Date

Refers to the year the grapes were harvested and to the wine made from those grapes. To place a vintage on the label, most wine producing regions now require that at least 95 percent of the wine contain grapes harvested from only that year. Historically, some wine regions were lax in requiring that vintage dates be accurate. Wines that are blended from more than one harvest are called nonvintage wines.

Vintner

Wine producer or winery proprietor.

VIOGNIER

(Pronounced "VEE-oh-nee-aye"). Semi-classic grape variety grown in the northern Rhone region of France. Has full, spicy flavors somewhat reminiscent of the Muscat grape and violets. Recent research indicates a clonal relationship to the Chasselas grape variety. New plantings in California have created much anticipation among that States wine community. Viognier wine can vary from almost Riesling-like character to almost Chardonnay character, depending on production method, but is not noted for aging ability and is best drunk while young. Variety clones are currently undergoing trial by the Cornell Horticultural Research Unit (NY) for cool climate region suitability. Recently planted small commercial acreages in the eastern Finger Lakes region of New York state are now (1997) yielding enough grapes to allow one winery to make limited amounts of varietal wine.

Viticultural Area

A grape-growing area in the United States, as defined by law. Loosely based on the French concept of Appellation Controlee, the U.S. has set borders on certain regions that have identifiable geographical features, climate and history. Unlike the French system, the U.S. does not limit yields, grape types or winemaking methods within these regions. It simply regulates that the wines must be 85 percent from a viticultural area to carry its name. Napa Valley is an example of a viticultural area.

Viticulture

The science of grape growing; when including the production of wine, the proper term is viniculture.

Vitis labrusca

The fruit of the vine Vitis labrusca itself may be used in the production of wine, but is more often used for grape jelly or similar products. An American vine species, it was once an important source of rootstock for Phylloxera-sensitive Vitis vinifera.

Vitis Labrusca (see also Grapey)

The grape species believed to be an impure, cross-pollinated version of the wild grape native to North America. Makes tasty juice, jelly but has wine flavour often termed as "foxy".

Vitis vinifera

This is the one. The vinifera species includes all our favourites - Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, and so on. The species from which all the world's fine wines are made - even if they have to be grafted onto other rootstock in order to survive.

Vitis Vinifera

The species of grapevines most responsible for producing the world's best wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernets, etc.

Vitis Vinifera (see also Breed, Elegant)

The premier grape species used for the world's most admired wines. Also referred to as the "European vine".

VITOVSKA

Grape used to make a dry white varietal wine in the Fruili-Venezia Giulia region of Italy. Unique to the Carso DOC close to the border with Slovenia. Capable of lasting for around four years if from good vintage year.

VIURA

(See Macabeo above).

Volatile (see also Harsh)

Powerful, attack aroma. Usually denotes high level of acidity, alcohol and/or other flavour faults.

Volatile acidity

Wine has acidity, which is derived from the presence of a number of different acids including acetic, malic, tartaric, lactic, citric, carbonic and so on. Excessive levels of acetic acid produce an aroma resembling acetone (nail polish remover). In small quantities its presence can help lift the nose, but in excess it is unpleasant and a fault.