What is Full-Bodied Red Wine?

Most people go to a restaurant and order wine based on the color or the smell. Unfortunately, this is a very crude way of telling which one is a good wine. To understand wine and its taste, it is important to know the term “boldness.” Wine connoisseurs usually describe wines in terms of their boldness.



For example, when you consume ginger ale, the beverage is smooth, there is no viscosity (thick or semi-fluid inconsistency), and the drink easily goes down the throat with little aftertaste. On the other hand, if you were to consume a milkshake, the first thing you will notice is the viscosity; plus, the flow down the throat is slow and there is usually a residual taste.

The texture and fullness are described as boldness. Some wines are light in terms of boldness and others are described as full-bodied. A full-bodied red wine definition would be a red wine that is thick, heavy, and has a mouthfeel of viscous.

Compared to white wines, red wines are more likely to be full-bodied. The boldness of red wine is due to several factors of which the most important is the selection of the grapes. 

The darker the grape, the more likely it is that the wine will be full-bodied. Grapes grown in warmer climates tend to be sweeter, have a higher tannin content, and likely to have a higher concentration of alcohol. Sometimes, during the process of fermentation, the manufacturer will add some sugar which also adds to the viscosity.

Overall, most full-bodied red wines have a higher alcohol concentration.  What is full-bodied red wine?  These full-bodied red wines will instantly hit your palate and leave a lingering taste and aroma in your mouth.

FULL-BODIED WINE FACTS

What is full-bodied red wine?  There are several great full-bodied red wines on the market and some of them include the following characteristics:

1. Petite Sirah is a distinct grape variety grown in the French Alps and is known to be associated with blackberry flavors.  It is high in tannin content, which will usually leave a dry taste in the mouth.
    
2. Grenache/Garnacha is a red wine bursting with fruity flavors. The wine is made in Spain and it has a very high alcohol content.
    
3. Rioja is another red wine from northern Spain. Made from Tempranillo grapes, it is known for its dusty and savory flavors, and high tannin content. It is often matured in American oak barrels to enhance the alcohol content and aroma.
    
4. Carignane (Carignano) is a very potent bold red wine made in France, Italy, and Spain. It is very high in tannin and strongly acidic. 
    
5. Tannay is another dark red wine grown in Southern France and has a reputation for being bold, flavorful, and fruity.

Other bold red wines include Mourvedre, Shiraz, Syrah, and malbec. These full-bodied red wines are best consumed in small amounts with meaty dishes and sweet desserts.