Wine Terms: Body of Wine

Body of wine describes the fullness or the lightness of it on your palate. Another wine body term is fat. Most people prefer one or the other.

It used to be a strict rule and still is in some parts of the world that full bodied wines, typically reds, are for the winter. Lighter wines, that are a bit more refreshing, are served in the summer. In these areas, roses may be served year round, although they may wait until spring.

Who knew that wine could depend on a climate? I have no preference. Drink wine according to what you like and according to what you eat.



For some great examples of this term, please see Wine Terms: Fat . We give an example involving milk that is hard to beat when figuring this term out.

Also, for a quick comparison, try a Pinot Noir (light) versus a Cabernet Sauvignon (heavy/fat), or a Sauvignon Blanc (light) versus a Chardonnay (heavy).

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