What is "Wine Legs"? Does Bordeaux Wine Have Them?

What are "wine legs"?

Hey, the "wine legs" you're asking about are a little phenomenon in wine tasting, also called "tears" or "legs". Simply put, after you swirl your glass, some wine clings to the sides and slowly trickles down, looking like little legs or teardrops. Why does this happen? Mainly because the alcohol, sugar, or glycerol (a natural sweet substance) in the wine makes its texture a bit thicker. The higher the alcohol content or the more sugar present, the more pronounced and slower-flowing the legs will be.

When I drink red wine, I like to swirl the glass first and look at the legs to guess the wine's style. For example, a high-alcohol wine will have legs that cling to the glass as if reluctant to fall, which is pretty interesting. But this isn't a standard for judging wine quality—it's just one of its characteristics.

Do Bordeaux wines have legs?

Absolutely! Bordeaux reds typically have an alcohol content between 12-14%, and contain significant glycerol and tannins (the components that give wine a slightly astringent feel). So, legs are very common after swirling. Especially with aged Bordeaux wines, the legs are even more pronounced, looking elegant and long-lasting.

I've had a few Bordeaux wines, like Château Margaux. Swirling the glass, the legs trickle down at a leisurely pace, making the wine feel particularly rich in texture. Even if you try an entry-level Bordeaux red, you'll see this phenomenon. In short, most red wines have legs, and Bordeaux is no exception. However, the appearance of the legs can vary slightly depending on the specific style of the wine. If you want to try it, grab a clear stemmed glass, pour some wine, give it a swirl, and you'll see!