Body

Powerful

Definition

Intensity across structure and flavor — not just alcohol, but cumulative impact of tannin, extract, and concentration.

Why this matters in wine

Often positive in young reds meant for aging or for fatty cuts.

Position inside its category

Body
Powerful

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 18 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

  • Steak

Frequently confused with

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FAQ

What does powerful mean in wine?
Intensity across structure and flavor — not just alcohol, but cumulative impact of tannin, extract, and concentration.
Why does powerful matter for pairing?
Often positive in young reds meant for aging or for fatty cuts.
What is powerful often confused with?
Tasters often overlap powerful with concentrated, firm, structured. Each descriptor has a distinct place in the wine vocabulary.

See also