The term “toasty” is used when describing a warm, generous, and rich flavor with oaky spice, reminiscent of toasted bread and toffee or caramel.

This flavor is often imparted by a specifically-made wine barrel. Why do some wine barrels give a toasty flavor, you may ask? Well, to make a barrel, the oak planks have to be bent which can be done with steam, hot water, or fire. The fire method toasts the inside of a barrel. These barrels are sold according to their toasting grade, so winemakers can choose the level of “toastiness” they want to impart on their wines.

However, toasted oak chips can also be added to a tank of wine to impart flavor and aroma at cheaper cost.

Wines usually described as toasty are Zinfandels, Merlots, Cabernet Sauvignons, and heavily oaked Chardonnays, but many varietals can be described as toasty, depending on the toasting grade of the barrel used to age them.