Icewine
A Canadian style of dessert wine made from frozen grapes.

Imperiale
A large format Bordeaux bottle, equivalent to an impressive eight standard bottles. In Burgundy and Champagne this size is called a Methusaleh. See my advisory page on wine bottle sizes for more information.

In bond
This term describes wine which is held in a bonded warehouse, which has not passed through customs in order to officially enter the UK and consequently has not been subject to duty or value added tax (VAT). Once purchased en primeur (usually in case quantities only, although some traders have taken to selling six-packs), wine may be held 'in bond' for a fee, and this is useful if you plan to export the wine or sell on at a later date. If you're like me and tend to drink it rather than sell it, however, in order to get your hands on your wine you will have to pay duty (about £14 per case for still wine, more for sparkling or fortified wine) and then VAT (17.5% on top of the full amount, including duty - which means that you pay tax on the duty as well as the wine) which will significantly increase the amount you have to pay. Always take this into account when buying in bond or en primeur, and don't forget that shipping charges may also be incurred.

Inert Gas
Used to protect wine from spoilage or oxidation by the air. These include nitrogen, carbon dioxide and argon.

Insipid
A descriptor for a wine that is bland and devoid of character and body. Think of the sequels to many Hollywood movies and you’ll know what I mean.

Integrated
When the components of wine, such as tannin, oak and acidity fade as the wine develops.

Intricate
The interweaving of subtle complexities of aroma and flavor in the wine.

Isinglass
A fining agent comprising protein from fresh-water fish.