Body

Light-bodied

Definition

Low perceived weight on the palate — often lower alcohol, lighter tannin, or delicate fruit.

Why this matters in wine

Common in Pinot Noir, many rosés, and crisp whites.

Position inside its category

Body
Light-bodied

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 10 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

  • Salmon

Frequently confused with

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FAQ

What does light-bodied mean in wine?
Low perceived weight on the palate — often lower alcohol, lighter tannin, or delicate fruit.
Why does light-bodied matter for pairing?
Common in Pinot Noir, many rosés, and crisp whites.
What is light-bodied often confused with?
Tasters often overlap light-bodied with delicate, elegant, lean. Each descriptor has a distinct place in the wine vocabulary.

See also