Light-Bodied

/LITE BOD-eed/

Wine with minimal weight and delicate texture.

Full Definition

Light-bodied wines feel delicate and ethereal on the palate, typically lower in alcohol, extract, and tannin. Examples include Muscadet, Vinho Verde, German Riesling, and Beaujolais. Light body isn't a fault - it's a style that excels as aperitifs and with delicate foods. Compare to medium and full-bodied.

Related Terms

body delicate ethereal

See Also

medium bodied full bodied

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More terms starting with L

Lactic Acid

The softer acid produced during malolactic fermentation.

Late Harvest

Wine from grapes picked after normal harvest for extra ripeness.

Lees

Dead yeast cells and grape solids that settle after fermentation.

Left Bank

The Cabernet-dominant side of Bordeaux.

Legs

The droplets that run down the glass after swirling.

Length

How long flavors persist after swallowing.