Defining Body in Wine
Learn how best to understand the textural sensation of body in wine
When the term “body” is brought up relating to wine, it generally is considered a tactile, textural sensation that is anticipated on the tongue and in the mouth. A good way to understand the different types of body relating to wine would be to compare the liquid to milk.
Skim milk -- watery, runny, light on the tongue, the taste disappears fast = Light-bodied wines
Whole milk -- thicker, richer, coats the mouth, flavor lingers longer = Medium-bodied wines
Heavy cream -- dense, thick, envelopes the mouth, lasting flavor = Full-bodied wines.
Before we even smell or taste a wine, we can guess fairly closely how full or light bodied the wine will be based on how it appears visually. If you can see through the wine in the glass and the “legs” (the rivulets that float down the side of the glass after swirling the wine) flow down rapidly, the wine may be light bodied.
Contrary to a light-bodied wine, if the “legs” are traveling down the inside of your glass slowly, there’s a good bet it will be a full-bodied wine.
The Big 5 Wines and Their Body Types
Sauvignon Blanc -- light bodied
Chardonnay -- full bodied
Pinot Noir -- Medium Bodied
Merlot -- Medium Bodied
Cabernet Sauvignon -- Full Bodied
Another way to determine whether or not the wine you’re enjoying is full-bodied is to glance at the bottle label. There is typically a higher percentage of alcohol in full-bodied wines than light-bodied wines. For example, a Cabernet Sauvignon can have an alcohol range of around 13.5 and 15.5%, whereas a zinfandel can top out between 15.5 and 17%. Ports will be the highest with about 18-20% alcohol.
So, the next time you’re tasting wine, swirl the wine in your mouth for a moment and do a comparison in your head -- is this “whole milk” or a “heavy cream?”













