MIKE TIPPING finds a way with words for wine lovers.

Here are some useful wine bluffer terms and words. Sprinkle them liberally into your conversation next time you infiltrate the wine chatterers association AGM.

Sauvignon blanc should simply be referred to as sauvignon; it is what the French say. Call it Kiwi sauvignon if it is from New Zealand and say gooseberries when you taste it. Add that you don’t usually choose sauvignon though, as you prefer riesling.

In the absence of riesling drink vermentino, it sounds cool when you ask for it. Try Paul Mas Vermentino 2013, from the Languedoc, which is reasonably priced and very drinkable. Fresh and clean tasting, it hints at orchard fruits, lemon, honey and minerals, with some floral notes too.

Remember to use the terms muscular and structured (or “chewy” if talking about Aussie wines) to describe reds like Vox Populi Bobal 2011, from the Utiel-Requena region of Spain.

The slight astringency that you feel in the mouth, with wines like this, comes from the tannins, which hopefully balance with the fruity flavours.

Smooth and quite big, this example of the bobal grape suggests raspberry and blackberry, with spices and a toasty, smoky oak influence.

(In case you have not come across bobal before, it is not as obscure as you might think: it is actually Spain’s third most planted grape.) Always mention that syrah is your favourite red grape and add that you particularly favour those from the northern Rhône. If you are lucky you might be offered a glass!

Vidal-Fleury Crozes-Hermitage 2012 is all a good syrah should be, earthy, long and complex (three words that will go down well at the AGM) but make sure you give this wine some time to breathe. It opens out to reveal black pepper spiced flavours of brambles and raspberries, with liquorice, vanilla and floral notes.

Finally, try not say cheers. Pick from the following foreign options instead: prost, salud, cin cin or santé.
 

Paul Mas Vermentino 2013, Pays d’Oc, £6.74 when you buy two at Majestic 17/20

Vox Populi Bobal 2011, Utiel-Requena, £8.99 when you buy two at Majestic 18/20

Vidal-Fleury Crozes-Hermitage 2012, around £17 from The Square Wine Company, Hailsham Cellars and Whole Foods Market 17/20

Twitter: @TippingsTipples