The Difference Between Light, Medium, And Full Bodied Red Wines

Maybe your like

Dismiss alertSkip to The Difference Between Light, Medium, and Full Bodied Red Wines contentHy-Vee Recipes and Ideas

Header and Navigation

The Difference Between Light, Medium, and Full Bodied Red Wines

EntertainingThe Difference Between Light-, Medium, and Full-Bodied Red Wines

Primary Media

six wine glasses with different types of red wine

Author

Hy-Vee Test KitchenJanuary 19 2022

Share Options

Share This Recipe on Facebook
Pin This Recipe on Pinterest
Share This Recipe on Twitter
Email This Recipe
Print This Recipe

Description

To better understand wine, it helps to know some basic categories. Here we'll share the difference between light-, medium-, and full-bodied red wines (and some of our favorite sangrias for each).

The body of a wine refers to its mouthfeel, with light-bodied wines being less viscous that full-bodied wines. Remember, viscosity describes the thickness or texture of a liquid, with water being less viscous than syrup, for example.

Tannins is the other term that comes up a lot. Tannins are naturally occurring compounds called polyphenols. These are found in grape skins and give wines a noticeable dryness.

Light Reds
Light red wines generally have a lower alcohol content of less than 12.5 percent. They also have less tannins than medium- or full-bodied wines. Pinot Noir, Grenache, and Barbera are a few examples.
Related Content, Drink
Apple SangriaDrinkApple Sangria5 minUnsaved
Medium Reds
Medium-bodied red wines tend to have an alcohol content of between 12.5 and 13.5 percent and more tannins than a light-bodied red wine but less than a full-bodied red wine. Examples include Merlot, Shiraz, Tempranillo, and Nebbiolo.
Related Content, Drink
Plum and Orange SangriasDrinkPlum and Orange Sangrias2 hr 10 minUnsaved
Full Reds
Any red wine with more than 13.5 percent alcohol is considered a full-bodied wine. Full-bodied wines have more complex flavors and have a richer mouthfeel. Examples include Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Syrah.
Related Content, Drink
Triple Berry Red Wine SangriaDrinkTriple Berry Red Wine Sangria2 hr 25 minUnsaved

Related Ideas

Food Love: Ingredient FocusTypes of Whiskey and the Difference Between Whiskey, Bourbon, and Scotch
Food Love10 Red Wines for Your Next Italian Night... Or Any Night
Holidays: Thanksgiving9 Wines to Pair with Your Thanksgiving Dinner
Holidays: New Year'sBest Champagne & Sparkling Wines for Under $10, $15, $25 & $45