Body

Opulent

Definition

Rich, lavish, and generous — body, fruit, and often oak working together.

Why this matters in wine

New World Chardonnay or ripe Shiraz often show opulence.

Position inside its category

Body
Opulent

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 21 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 opulent mean in wine?
Rich, lavish, and generous — body, fruit, and often oak working together.
Why does opulent matter for pairing?
New World Chardonnay or ripe Shiraz often show opulence.
What is opulent often confused with?
Tasters often overlap opulent with rich, full-bodied. Each descriptor has a distinct place in the wine vocabulary.

See also