Tasting
Body
The weight and fullness of wine on the palate (light, medium, full).
Body refers to the perceived weight and viscosity of a wine in your mouth. It is not about flavor intensity, but rather how heavy or rich the liquid feels.
Thinking About Body
An easy analogy is milk:
- Light Body feels like skim milk (watery, thin).
- Medium Body feels like whole milk (coating, substantial).
- Full Body feels like heavy cream (thick, viscous, rich).
What Creates Body?
- Alcohol: The primary contributor. Higher alcohol wines differ in viscosity (legs/tears) and feel heavier.
- Sugar: Residual sugar adds weight and thickness.
- Extract: Soluble solids (flavor compounds, tannins, minerals) derived from the grape skins.
- Oak Aging: Can add tannins and compounds that increase the perception of body.
Examples by Body Style
| Light-Bodied | Medium-Bodied | Full-Bodied |
|---|---|---|
| Pinot Grigio | Sauvignon Blanc | Oaked Chardonnay |
| Riesling | Merlot | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Pinot Noir | Sangiovese | Syrah/Shiraz |
| Gamay | Tempranillo | Zinfandel |
Related Terms
Master Your Palate
Now that you understand body, put your knowledge to the test in a blind tasting game.