21 Wine Names Americans Constantly Mispronounce
Though some casual wine drinkers may simply refer to their favorites as “red” or “white,” many Americans want to know how to pronounce their favorite varietals.
A recent analysis of Google search data shows which types of wine are most searched for in terms of pronunciation. This list shows the top 21 wines we need help saying aloud.
Methodology
Researchers at the language learning site Anna Spanish analyzed Google search data to determine which wines need the most pronunciation help. Perhaps unsurprisingly, most of the wines that users search how to say are of French origin.
1: Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is difficult for English speakers who aren’t accustomed to a “t” being silent. If you didn’t know it was pronounced kab-er-nay soh-VIN-Yohn, you’re not alone. The king of wines, as vintners often describe it, has a search volume of over 45,000.
2: Pinot Noir
Pronounced PEE-noh Nwar, but often referred to as simply “pee-noh,” this complex and subtle varietal is sometimes called the queen of wines. Though it’s tricky for English speakers to pronounce, it’s a favorite to drink and is considered one of the world’s most popular wines.
3: Sauvignon Blanc
With a search volume of just under 30,000, it’s clear that few people know how to pronounce sauvignon blanc correctly. It’s spoken soh-VIN-yohn blan, in case you were wondering.
4: Pinot Grigio
Even experienced wine aficionados tend to pronounce Pinot Grigio incorrectly, often insisting on speaking the second “i.” In actuality, it’s said pee-noh gree-jo, and the second “i” is silent.
5: Merlot
Merlot’s two syllables make it deceptively approachable. But English speakers, beware. The “t” is silent, making the correct pronunciation mer-loh.
6: Malbec
Though it’s common to find great Malbecs from Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand, this wine originally came from France and is pronounced accordingly. The “c” is hard, making it mal-bek.
7: Prosecco
Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine that many have trouble pronouncing. According to Anna Spanish researchers, prosecco, pronounced proh-SEHK-koh, has a search volume of over 10,000.
8: Sangiovese
Sangiovese is an Italian wine with a tricky silent letter. The correct pronunciation is SAN-joe-veh-see, but many Americans pronounce the “i,” making it SAN-gee-oh-veh-see.
9: Riesling
A dry German Riesling pairs fantastically with many dishes, from sushi to pork chops. However, sipping it alongside a salmon roll seems far easier than pronouncing it. Spoken, rees-ling, it has a search volume of over 9,000.
10: Viognier
Viognier is another French wine with several unspoken letters. It’s pronounced VEE-ON-yay, which isn’t exactly intuitive for English speakers.
11: Rosé
Americans unfamiliar with accent marks run into problems with Rosé. Though it’s spelled like the flower, Rosé is pronounced with two syllables, Roe-zay.
12: Chardonnay
Chardonnay may be one of the most popular wines in the U.S., but that doesn’t mean Americans can pronounce it. With a search volume of over 8,000, Chardonnay, pronounced shar-dah-nay, isn’t easy for native English speakers.
13: Shiraz
If English is your native tongue, the idea of an “i” sounding like a “u” is bizarre, but that’s the case with Shiraz. Pronounced schuh-RAAZ, this bold red wine is perfect alongside a juicy steak or leg of lamb.
14: Syrah
Syrah is pronounced see-rah, which isn’t how most English speakers would say it at first glance. It’s no wonder it has a search volume of almost 4,000.
15: Pinot Gris
Remove the “t” and the “s” from Pinot Gris, and you might say it correctly. The correct pronunciation is pee-noh-gree.
16: Tempranillo
Tempranillo is a Spanish wine and its pronunciation follows Spanish rules. That means the “ll” is pronounced as a “y,” making it tem-pruh-NEE-yo.
17: Zinfandel
Big, bold, and flavorful, Zinfandels are a favorite for many Americans. Although ordering a glass might seem intimidating, there’s no need to fear. Zinfandel is one of the few wines that’s pronounced exactly how it’s spelled.
18: Gerwurtztraminer
The German language tends to use a lot of letters and syllables when naming things, and their wines are no exception. Though Gerwurtztraminer (ga-VERTZ-trah-mee-ner) seems intimidating to say, most English speakers can pronounce it if they take the time to sound it out.
19: Carménère
Carménère is difficult for many Americans because of its mix of accent marks. It’s pronounced kar-may-NEHR.
20: Sémillon
Sémillon is another French wine with silent letters that don’t make sense. You say it, SAY-mee-yon, and it’s wonderful alongside oysters or fish.
21: Gruner Veltliner
Pronounced grew-ner velt-LEE-ner, this white wine tends to come from Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. If you don’t feel like stumbling through its entire pronunciation, you can call it “Gruner” for short.
Pronouncing Your Favorite Wines
Wines can be challenging to pronounce accurately since their names are often derived from their places of origin. Understanding the language of the region where they originate can be helpful in mastering their correct pronunciation.
A Few Tips
For French wines, know that several letters will likely be silent. French is an old language, and its spelling reflects how it was pronounced centuries ago rather than how it’s spoken today. For Spanish wines, like Tempranillo, keep in mind that the “ll” makes a “y” sound.
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