Understanding Wine Body
Think of body as the difference between skim milk (light), whole milk (medium), and cream (full). Wine body is a tactile sensation — how the wine feels in your mouth, not just how it tastes.
What Creates Body
- Alcohol — higher alcohol wines feel fuller and weightier
- Sugar — residual sugar adds viscosity and richness
- Extract — grape-derived solids (tannins, glycerol, acids) contribute density
- Oak — barrel aging adds texture and perceived weight
Body Categories
| Body | Alcohol | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Light | 10-12% | Pinot Grigio, Beaujolais, Riesling |
| Medium | 12-13.5% | Pinot Noir, Chianti, Côtes du Rhône |
| Full | 13.5%+ | Cabernet Sauvignon, Barolo, Châteauneuf-du-Pape |
Body and Food Pairing
Match wine body to food weight: light wines with delicate dishes (salads, seafood), medium wines with roasted poultry and pasta, and full-bodied wines with rich meats and aged cheeses.