What is one way to identify a wine's body?

Identifying a wine's body is often done by evaluating its alcohol level and mouthfeel. The body of a wine refers to its weight and fullness on the palate, which is influenced by several factors, primarily alcohol content and the tactile sensations felt when tasting.

Wines with higher alcohol levels tend to have a fuller body because the alcohol adds viscosity, enhancing the perception of weight. Mouthfeel also plays a crucial role; for instance, a wine that feels creamy or lush will typically be perceived as having a fuller body. In contrast, lighter wines often feel crisp and refreshing, demonstrating a lighter body.

Color alone does not directly indicate the wine's body. While it can give some hints regarding the style or type of wine, it’s not a definitive measure of how substantial the wine feels in the mouth. Tasting a wine cold can affect its overall profile, particularly the aromatics, but it doesn’t provide a reliable assessment of its body. Similarly, floral notes relate more to the aroma and flavor profile of the wine rather than its body. Therefore, focusing on alcohol level and mouthfeel is the most accurate approach to identifying a wine's body.