Glossary
Tears
/TEERZ/
Droplets running down glass after swirling wine.
Full Definition
Tears (legs, curtains) are droplets that form and run down the inside of a glass after swirling. Caused by the Marangoni effect from alcohol evaporation creating surface tension differences. Slow, thick tears indicate higher alcohol, not quality. A visual phenomenon, not taste indicator.
Related Terms
See Also
Reference
More terms starting with T
Tannin
Polyphenols creating dry, astringent mouthfeel.
Tartaric Acid
The primary acid in wine grapes.
Tartrates
Harmless crystals that precipitate from wine.
TCA
Chemical compound causing cork taint.
Terroir
The complete natural environment affecting wine character.
Tertiary Aromas
Complex aromas developed through aging.