Wine Tasting by
Particularly among serious wine tasters, mysterious terminology abounds. Hints, aromas, bouquets, etc. All these appear in the lexicon, but at least each has a relationship with everyday words and usage. “Body” does not. In its simplest form, body describes the texture and weight of the wine in the mouth. Is it heavy? Does it coat the tongue? Does it linger? To make the discussion simpler a variety of metaphors have come into common usage.
What Is Body?
The body of a wine is the result of several factors interacting. The main factor described by body is viscosity. This is a subjective measurement of how the wine flows over the tongue, and how quickly it moves. This is largely a factor of the alcohol and sugar content. No specific body is truly bad, but they are different and certain wines are expected to have particular bodies.
Comparisons in the Larger Experience
Wine Drinkers by Brother O'Mara
Among the most common descriptors used for a wine’s body is milk. Just as wines have various bodies, so to does milk. Skim and reduced fat milks have the weakest and this is the best description of a light-bodied wine. Skim milk does not coat the mouth or linger long, just as a similar wine will dissipate quickly.
For the medium-bodied wines, whole milk is the best description. More viscous than skim milk, it leaves a bit of a coating around the mouth and is slower to flow over the tongue. The flavor continues to linger as well. So too will a medium-bodied wine.
For the fullest wines, heavy cream is the best description available. Both are very thick in the mouth, coat every surface, and linger for a significant period. These are the wines you can still taste several minutes later.
What Body Do Common Wines Have?
Wine by Seven Morris
Naturally, the exact classification is a combination of the particular wine and the palate of the taster. For the most part, many wines fall into broad categories. Pinot grigio and Riesling are typically light white wines, while Pinot noir is a good light red wine.
Going heavier, Sauvignon blanc is one of the medium-bodied whites while Merlot is a wine which can be of a medium body. Chardonnay, particularly an oaky example, is one of the heavier white wines, and a Cabernet Sauvignon or a fortified wine such as Port round out the body side from the reds.
What Does Body Mean for You?
Aside from possible confusion, understanding a wine’s body can help you pair it with a meal. The lighter the body, the better the wine will pair with a more delicate dish. The same rule applies with the full-bodied wines and very heavy dishes. Plus, it’s a great phrase to throw around at the next cocktail party.
Understanding the body of a wine not only helps you decipher the wine and a wine guru’s recommendation, but make informed pairings. As you grow more familiar with various wines, your options will increase and your choices will become savvier. The more you learn—and taste, of course—the better your palate will be and the more you will enjoy the next wine you select in the wine store.
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