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

legs alcohol viscosity

See Also

tasting glycerol

TCA Back to Glossary Terroir

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.