Body

Rich

Definition

A sense of fullness from fruit ripeness, lees, oak, or residual sugar.

Why this matters in wine

Can describe white or red; watch alcohol balance.

Position inside its category

Body
Rich

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 22 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

Frequently confused with

FAQ

What does rich mean in wine?
A sense of fullness from fruit ripeness, lees, oak, or residual sugar.
Why does rich matter for pairing?
Can describe white or red; watch alcohol balance.
What is rich often confused with?
Tasters often overlap rich with creamy, buttery. Each descriptor has a distinct place in the wine vocabulary.

See also