In Part 3 of Wine Trivia 101, you were introduced to the sommelier who assured you that screw top wine bottles in no way indicated that the wine you had chosen was cheap. You were happy with your selection after you were told in what order to sample wines. When ready to propose a toast, the sommelier told you to take note of the “legs” on the side of the glass. “Legs!” What could he possibly be talking about? Legs are the streaks of wine that appear after giving your wine a swirl in the glass. They are an indicator of the wine’s alcohol content. There has always been a misconception that a wine with “legs” indicates the wine’s sweetness, however this is not the case. Generally speaking, wines with “great legs” are full-bodied and have relatively high alcohol contents. Characteristics of great “legs” often appear on the glass as a slow drip in thick or long streaks.
Another word I wasn’t sure I understood was “full bodied” when talking about wine. Since this is Wine Trivia 101, let’s keep it simple. A full-bodied wine is characterized by a rich, weighty, and mouth-filling texture. It is often described as having a thick, viscous feel, and is typically associated with higher alcohol content, more tannins, and a more complex flavor profile.
Examples of full-bodied red wines are Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah, and Malbec. While full-bodied white wines are less common, some white wines like Chardonnay can be full-bodied, especially those aged in oak barrels.
A light-bodied wine has a higher acidity level, and a lower alcohol content, fewer tannins and less color. If you are looking for a lighter-bodied red wine, Pinot Noir is an excellent choice, and you should expect a smooth taste. If looking for a light-bodied white wine, Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc are good choices.
Will it ever end? Will I ever truly understand wine? Now I’m wondering “what are tannins?” They are found mostly in red wines. But what are they and how do they affect the taste and texture of wine? I guess I’ll have to read Part 5 of Wine Trivia 101 in the next issue of The Heron.
Salud Herons Glen!
This toast is the most versatile and common way to say “cheers” or “to your health” in Spanish.
