Acidity? Tannins? Body? Huh?

Once you start noticing where flavors come from, the next step is understanding the traits that shape how a wine feels. These are the characteristics that determine whether a wine strikes you as refreshing, heavy, sharp, smooth, bold, gentle, or something in between.

Let’s walk through the big ones: acidity, tannins, alcohol, body, and finish. When you know what each one does, you can better understand why you gravitate toward some wines and avoid others. This is the part where your personal preferences really come into focus.

Acidity: The Freshness Factor

Acidity gives wine its brightness and energy. It is the quality that makes your mouth water just a little. High-acid wines feel crisp and refreshing. Think Sauvignon Blanc or many Italian reds. Low-acid wines feel fuller and softer, sometimes even a bit round.

If you enjoy drinks like lemonade, seltzer, or sour candies, you may naturally lean toward high-acid wines. If you prefer smoother, gentler drinks, you may like wines with lower acidity. Either preference is valid. Acidity is simply one of the clearest ways wines express their personality.

Tannins: Structure and Texture

Tannins come mostly from grape skins, seeds, and sometimes oak barrels. They contribute texture, not sweetness or fruit. You feel them more than you taste them. Think of the slight dryness in your mouth after sipping strong black tea. That is tannin.

High-tannin wines, like many Cabernets or Nebbiolos, feel firm and grippy. Lower-tannin wines feel smoother and easier to sip. Some people love that structured, drying sensation. Others would rather avoid it entirely. Knowing your comfort level with tannins can save you a lot of guesswork in the wine aisle.

Alcohol: Warmth and Weight

Alcohol is more than a number on the label. It influences how a wine feels. Higher alcohol can add warmth and richness. Lower alcohol keeps things lighter and softer.

If you notice a slight heat sensation at the back of your throat, that is the alcohol speaking. Some wines use that warmth well. Others feel out of balance. The key is paying attention to how sensitive you are to it, because preference plays a huge role here.

Body: How Heavy or Light It Feels

Body refers to how the wine feels on your palate. A light-bodied wine feels similar to skim milk. A medium-bodied wine might remind you of whole milk. A full-bodied wine can feel almost creamy or dense.

This characteristic is influenced by alcohol, tannins, sugar, and even the grape variety itself. If you prefer a wine that feels delicate and refreshing, lighter-bodied wines may be your comfort zone. If you enjoy something with presence and richness, full-bodied wines might be your style.

Finish: The Last Impression

The finish is the flavor that lingers after you swallow. A long finish means the taste hangs around, unfolding slowly. A short finish fades quickly.

A long finish can feel layered and interesting, but it is not necessary for enjoyment. Some people prefer wines that stay with them. Others like wines that come and go without too much fuss. Paying attention to the finish helps you understand how much persistence you enjoy.

Why These Characteristics Matter

You may not think in terms of acidity or tannins when choosing a wine, but you absolutely feel them. They are often the reason you like one wine and leave another unfinished.

If a wine feels too sharp, too tannic, too warm, too heavy, or too fleeting, chances are one of these characteristics is at play. Once you know which ones you prefer, you can walk into any wine aisle with much more confidence. Labels may stay vague, but your instincts will get sharper.

And that is the real goal. Not memorizing terminology, but learning which qualities bring you enjoyment. The more you tune in, the easier it becomes to find wines that match your taste.