How to Determine the Body Weight of a Bordeaux Wine?

Hey, I'm a wine enthusiast who's tried quite a few Bordeaux wines. Figuring out whether a wine is light- or full-bodied is actually pretty straightforward—you don't need to be a pro to get the hang of it. Body basically refers to the "weight" or "thickness" you feel in your mouth: light-bodied wines are refreshing like water, while full-bodied ones are rich like milk or syrup. Most Bordeaux reds are medium- to full-bodied because they’re often blends of grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with noticeable tannins and alcohol. But how do you tell? Let me break it down step by step based on my experience—focusing on sight, smell, and taste.

1. Look First (Visual Clues)

Color Depth: Hold your glass against a white paper or light. Deeper, more intense colors (like deep purple or ruby) usually mean a fuller body, as heavier wines extract more pigments and flavor compounds. Lighter-bodied wines may appear pale red or brick-colored.
Legs/Tears: Swirl the glass gently and watch the "legs" or "tears" that trickle down. Thick, slow-moving legs suggest higher alcohol and sugar content, pointing to a fuller body. Thin, fast-dripping legs indicate lightness. Super practical—I always try this first when tasting.

2. Take a Whiff (Aromatic Clues)

Assess the intensity and complexity of the aromas. Light-bodied Bordeaux wines offer fresher, simpler scents like red fruits or florals, while full-bodied ones have bolder, layered notes—think dark berries, oak, or smokiness. The more "punchy" the aroma, the heavier the body tends to be. Don’t rush to sip; take a deep breath and feel that intensity.

3. Taste It (Palate Clues)

Mouthfeel: Focus on the wine’s weight on your tongue. Light-bodied wines glide away quickly like juice; full-bodied ones linger like oil or syrup, coating your mouth.
Tannins & Alcohol: Strong tannins (that drying, grippy sensation) in Bordeaux wines often signal a fuller body. Higher alcohol (e.g., over 13%) also adds a warming sensation and weight. Higher acidity, though, can make the wine feel lighter.
Finish: How long does the flavor last after swallowing? A long finish usually means a fuller body.

From my experience, Left Bank Bordeaux (e.g., Médoc) wines tend to be fuller-bodied due to their Cabernet-dominant, structured profiles. Right Bank wines (e.g., Saint-Émilion), with more Merlot, are often medium-bodied and softer. Of course, this isn’t absolute—vintage and producer matter. I’d suggest starting with an entry-level Bordeaux to practice, like a mid-range bottle, and compare as you drink. Remember, body weight isn’t about quality; it’s about whether you prefer refreshing or bold flavors. Try these tricks at your next gathering—you’ll totally impress as a mini-expert! Feel free to ask if you have questions about specific wines. 🍷