Chalky

/CHAW-kee/

Dry, powdery tannin texture or mineral character.

Full Definition

Chalky describes either a fine, powdery tannin texture or mineral character evoking chalk soil. Chalky tannins are fine-grained and drying but not harsh. Chalky minerality suggests wines from chalk-based terroirs like Champagne or Jerez. Both usages are generally positive descriptors.