Acidity

Astringent

Definition

Mouth-drying sensation — tannins binding saliva proteins; can combine with high acid.

Why this matters in wine

Green tea and young red wine share this tactile.

Position inside its category

Acidity
Astringent

Acidity

  1. ○Bright
  2. ●Astringent
  3. ○Austere
  4. ○Thin
  5. ○Lean
  6. ○Angular
  7. ○Racy
  8. ○Tart
  9. ○Edgy
  10. ○Nerve
  11. ○Zippy
  12. ○Zesty
  13. ○Lively
  14. ○Fresh
  15. ○Crisp
  16. ○Delicate
  17. ○Soft
  18. ○Flabby
  19. ○Fallen Over
  20. ○Flat

Position 2 of 20 on the Acidity scale.

Parent category

Acidity — Acid structure on a continuum from flat to nervy — the backbone that drives food pairing more than any other single trait.

Sibling descriptors

Opposite descriptors

Nearby on the scale

More in Acidity

Frequently confused with

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FAQ

What does astringent mean in wine?
Mouth-drying sensation — tannins binding saliva proteins; can combine with high acid.
Why does astringent matter for pairing?
Green tea and young red wine share this tactile.
What is astringent often confused with?
Tasters often overlap astringent with grippy, firm. Each descriptor has a distinct place in the wine vocabulary.

See also