In wine tasting, what does "body" refer to?

In wine tasting, "body" refers to the weight and fullness of wine on the palate. This characteristic is largely influenced by factors such as the wine’s alcohol content, sugar, and tannin levels, which contribute to the overall mouthfeel that a wine imparts. When describing body, tasters often categorize wines as light, medium, or full-bodied.

For example, a full-bodied wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon, typically feels richer and thicker in the mouth compared to a light-bodied wine, like a Pinot Grigio, which is more refreshing and crisp. This sensory aspect of how the wine feels can greatly impact the overall enjoyment and experience of the wine.

Understanding body is essential for making informed pairing decisions, as the weight of the wine should generally complement the weight of the food served with it. Therefore, recognizing the body of a wine is critical in the context of wine tasting and evaluation.