Body 101

How To Assess The Body Of A Wine

Wines that are full-bodied tend to be round, mouth-filling and intense. They will be powerful wines, with more impact. Light-bodied wines on the other hand will be quite delicate and often fresher. Think of light-bodied wines like skim milk, medium like regular 2% milk, full-bodied wines like full or homogenised milk.

Food Pairing

Pairing foods to the body of a wine is all about congruency. So in general light foods go best with light wines whereas bigger, heavier foods go better with fuller-bodied wines. If you pair a full-bodied wine to a delicate and light dish, the wine will take over and mute the foods flavours. Whereas if you pair a light-bodied wine with a heavier dish, the food will take over and the wine will become even thinner and drizzle away into a bland, boring drop. It's better to match the light with light and full with full so they can share the stage to bring out the best in one another!

Light, Medium and Full Bodied Reds

1. Bodega Atamisque 'Picaflor' Pinot Noir 2024 (Light body) Bright and lively, this Pinot Noir bursts with juicy red cherries, wild strawberries, and raspberries, all wrapped up with subtle hints of dried leaves and white pepper. It's beautifully balanced, dry, with a light body and silky, ripe tannins. It's both fruit-forward and elegant, a versatile Pinot that shows off the purity and charm of its style - a classic glass for any occasion. 2. Huella 'Gran Reserva' Malbec 2024 (Medium body) Malbec has long found a home in South America, and the 'Gran Reserva' is a classic example of great fruit, with the winemaking team adding their own touches. There is spice and mocha notes from the first sip, and behind these layers, there is a vein of black fruit which add richness and weight to this wine. 3. Casa Santos Lima 'Coccinela Bio' Caladoc 2023 (Full body) Deep, dark, and seriously moody - in the best way. This bold beauty hits with rich blackberries, pepper, and a whisper of cacao and oak spice. It’s got structure, swagger, and a wild streak. Oh, and it’s organic AND vegan - bonus cool points!