character
A term applied to a wine with distinctive, obvious features, either pertaining to its style or its variety. Although character has nothing to DO with a wine’s quality, one without it is considered dull. See also varietal character.
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.