Glossary of Wine Terms - U

U

UC

Abbreviation for the French term Union Coopérative denoting a regional or local cooperative.

Ullage

The space between the wine and the top of a wine bottle. As a wine ages, the space of ullage will increase as the wine gradually evaporates and seeps through the cork. The winemaking term of "ullage" refers to the practice of topping off a barrel with extra wine to prevent oxidation.

Unctuous

Said of a wine that has layers of soft, concentrated, velvety fruits. Unctuous wines are lush, rich, and intense.

Uvaggio

An Italian term for a wine that has been blended from several grape varieties-the opposite of a varietal. An example would be a Chianti that is based on Sangiovese but include other grape varieties in the bend.