Body

Delicate

Definition

Subtle, fine-grained aromatic and textural detail rather than overt force.

Why this matters in wine

Classic descriptor for elegant Pinot, aged Champagne, or light gamay.

Position inside its category

Body
Delicate

Body

  1. ○Thin
  2. ○Cliff-edge
  3. ○Hollow
  4. ○Mellow
  5. ○Short
  6. ○Austere
  7. ○Angular
  8. ●Delicate
  9. ○Elegant
  10. ○Light-bodied
  11. ○Finesse
  12. ○Closed
  13. ○Polished
  14. ○Complex
  15. ○Full-bodied
  16. ○Tight
  17. ○Firm
  18. ○Powerful
  19. ○Concentrated
  20. ○Dense
  21. ○Opulent
  22. ○Rich
  23. ○Extracted
  24. ○Flabby
  25. ○Fat

Position 8 of 25 on the Body scale.

Parent category

Body — Perceived weight and density — the mouthfeel scale from thin to fat that must track dish heaviness.

Sibling descriptors

Opposite descriptors

Nearby on the scale

More in Body

Appears in

Frequently confused with

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FAQ

What does delicate mean in wine?
Subtle, fine-grained aromatic and textural detail rather than overt force.
Why does delicate matter for pairing?
Classic descriptor for elegant Pinot, aged Champagne, or light gamay.
What is delicate often confused with?
Tasters often overlap delicate with elegant, light-bodied. Each descriptor has a distinct place in the wine vocabulary.

See also