Body

Firm

Definition

Tannins present and assertive but not necessarily harsh — youthful grip.

Why this matters in wine

Protein and fat soften firm tannin.

Position inside its category

Body
Firm

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 17 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

Common food pairings

  • Bbq Ribs
  • Chicken
  • Steak

Frequently confused with

You may also like

FAQ

What does firm mean in wine?
Tannins present and assertive but not necessarily harsh — youthful grip.
Why does firm matter for pairing?
Protein and fat soften firm tannin.
What is firm often confused with?
Tasters often overlap firm with grippy, tannic. Each descriptor has a distinct place in the wine vocabulary.

See also