Body

Definition - What does Body mean?

Body is a tasting term that refers to the weight of a wine on the palate – its mouthfeel in terms of heavy or light. Body is commonly referred to in three ways: full bodied, medium bodied (medium weight) and light bodied. Where the wine falls on that spectrum is dependent on the grape variety, alcohol, tannin, sugar and extract levels.

The body of the wine is one of the most important characteristics. Working with the other characteristics of a wine, such as acidity and fruit, body influences the overall impression of a wine.

WineFrog explains Body

All liquids have a specific weight, determined by the presence of fats, alcohols, sugars and more. Wine is no different; this weight is the “body". Think about the way milk feels heavier on the tongue than water, and you're on the right track to understanding how to determine a wine's body.

Light Body

These feel like something between water and skim milk. Thin, refreshing and wet. Light bodied wines can have a long aftertaste (finish), without filling your mouth. The following are common light bodied wines:

Whites

  • Chenin Blanc
  • Chardonnay (cool climate; unoaked)
  • Sauvignon Blanc (cool climate; unoaked)
  • Pinot Grigio/Gris (unoaked)
  • Riesling
  • Prosecco

Reds

  • Counoise
  • Grenache
  • Gamay
  • Lambrusco

Light bodied wines are low in alcohol, tannins, sugars and extracts. In general, they have under 12.5% alcohol. There are different ways of referring to light bodied wines:

Whites Light, Zesty, Airy, Lean, Racy, Crisp, Zippy, Austere, Long Tingly Finish, Brilliant, Lively
Reds Subtle, Delicate, Elegant, Crisp, Thin, Finesse, Bright, Floral

Medium Body

Medium weighted wines are mid-way between skim and whole milk. They are considered the best food wines because they have enough character to complement without being overpowered by the flavors of food. Medium bodied reds are often referred to as: food friendly, moderate, elegant, juicy, spicy, fleshy, tart, mellow or soft.

Medium bodied wines sit right in the middle in terms of alcohol, tannin, sugar and extract levels. The general consensus in the wine world is that medium bodied wines have between 12.5% and 13.5% alcohol.

The following list shows just a few medium bodied varieties:

Whites

  • Muscadet
  • Muscat Blanc
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Pinot Grigio/Gris
  • Pinot Blanc

Reds

  • Cabernet Franc
  • Merlot
  • Pinot Noir
  • Pinotage
  • Sangiovese
  • Nebbiolo

Full Body

Full bodied wines are heavy in the mouth, some even consider them to be chewy or fat. They will feel like whole milk or even as heavy as cream. The following are some typical full bodied wines:

Whites

  • Chardonnay (warm climate; oaked)
  • Pinot Grigio (warm climate; oaked)

Reds

  • Zinfandel
  • Syrah/Shiraz
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Malbec
  • Mourvedre
  • Barolo

Full bodied wines have high levels of alcohol (over 13.5% ABV), tannin, sugar and extract. However, when only one of these is in excess, the wine will be unbalanced. Full bodied wines are commonly referred to in the following way:

Whites Rich, Lush, Oily, Buttery
Reds Rich, Lush, Opulent, Rigid, Intense, Bold, Extracted, High Alcohol, High Tannin, Firm, Structured, Muscular, Concentrated, Hot