Creamy
Definition - What does Creamy mean?
When a wine is described as "creamy," this indicates that the mouthfeel is similar to cream or a dairy product with a rich texture. It is an adjective which is solely used for white wines, white wine blends and some sparkling wines. This character usually occurs when wines have been aged sur lie or on their lees.
WineFrog explains Creamy
A creamy texture or mouthfeel in a wine is a positive trait and often a characteristic style which winemakers purposefully create. It is a characteristic of full-bodied white and sparkling wines and can only usually be achieved with grape varieties which naturally make medium- to full-bodied wines, i.e., Chardonnay, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Grüner Veltliner and Pinot Grigio (Pinot Gris), to name a few.
When these grapes are harvested and pressed for their juices, they are fermented and then sent to aging vessels. As the wine settles and ages, the solids which are suspended in the wine slowly fall out. These solids are called lees. In the case of white wines, they can be useful. Sometimes the solids are stirred in or the tank is pumped over in order to integrate the lees in the wine once again. Over time, this imparts creaminess into the wine which also contributes to buttery and/or yeasty characteristics. It can also add notes of crème brûlée to still wine or Champagne and sparkling wines that are made from these base wines.
