What is meant by the term "legs" in relation to wine?

Prepare for the Court of Master Sommelier Level 1 Exam. Learn with interactive quizzes and comprehensive study materials. Elevate your wine knowledge and get ready to impress!

The term "legs" in relation to wine refers to the droplets that form on the inside of a glass after swirling wine. These droplets, also known as "tears," are the result of the wine's alcohol content and viscosity. When you swirl wine in a glass, the centrifugal force causes some of the liquid to cling to the sides of the glass. As the droplets begin to settle back down, they create the appearance of "legs." Observing these legs can provide insight into the wine's body, alcohol level, and richness, as thicker or more viscous wines will typically produce more pronounced legs.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent what "legs" means in the context of wine. The aroma that develops in oaked wines pertains to the influence of aging in barrels, while the label design on a bottle refers to branding and information but has no relation to the physical properties of the wine itself. Sediment settling at the bottom of a glass is more related to the aging process and can indicate a wine's maturity but does not pertain to the visual aspect of the wine in the glass like "legs" does.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy