Balance
Balance
Balance is the harmony between the different structural components of wine. It is the proportional relationship between acidity, alcohol, sugar, tannin and fruit concentration, where no single element dominates. A well balanced wine feels complete, complex and smooth with the sharpness (acidity) and grip (tannins) well supported by fruit notes, sweetness levels and alcohol.
See Also
Legs
Wine legs are the droplets and streaks of wine that form on the inside of a wine glass and resettle at the bottom after swirling.
Floral
The term "floral" is used to describe the delicate, perfumed and aromatic notes that smell like white and yellow flowers, arising naturally from specific grape varieties, not additives.
Texture
Texture, or "mouthfeel", refers to the physical, tactile sensatation of the wine as it moves across your palate. It is shaped by the interaction of the tannins, alcohol, sugar and acidity of the wine with the saliva in your mouth.
Body
A wine's body is its weight, texture and overall mouthfeel which is determined by a combination of alcohol content, tannins, sugar and extract. A wine may be light, medium or full bodied.
Umami
Umami, which means "savory or delicious taste" in Japanese, is the "fifth taste" that adds complexity, richness and length to a wine's finish. It develops through glutamate and amino acids from late harvest grapes or lees aging and it enhances the other flavors.
Flavonoids
Flavonoids are natural polyphenolic compounds gotten from grape skins, stems and seeds. They are found in high concentrations in red wine.
Tartaric Acid
Tartaric acid is the primary natural acid in grapes and wine, essential for providing a refreshing, sharp and crisp taste. Unlike other wine acids, it remains stable during fermentation, determining the wine's pH and protecting it against bacteria.
Nose
The "nose" in wine refers to the aroma, scent or bouquet it gives off before tasting. It is generally categorized into primary, secondary and tertiary aromas.