Body is the impression of a wines weight, density, or its ‘mouth-feel’. Some wines feel weighty, or full bodied, while others feel light bodied. Wine runs the gamut from light to full, with most falling somewhere in between.
ACIDITY
Soft
Subtle
Balanced
Pronounced
High
Acidity is a foundational component in wine. In fact, low acidity, or ‘flabby’ wine (as the term suggests) is a negative. You can sense acidity mainly on the sides of your tongue. Acidity generally ranges from balanced to high. Crisp acidity adds freshness, making your mouth water. Acidity is a necessary element and helps to balance other components.
SWEETNESS
Dry
Off Dry
Medium Dry
Medium Sweet
Very Sweet
Most wines are characterized as dry to off-dry, but there are some grape varietals, like Riesling, that run the gamut from dry to sweet. The tip of the tongue mainly detects sweetness, which is why it is often the primary characteristic detected. Sweetness is derived from residual sugar that did not ferment into alcohol.
ALCOHOL
13%
Alcohol is the by-product of fermentation. Differing grape varieties have differing potential alcohol levels, but regardless warmer areas result in riper grapes resulting in higher alcohol. Alcohol level is an objective number, but its affect on its palate impression is largely determined with how well integrated and balanced it is with other components.
Grenache Gris is a pink-skinned mutation of Grenache, primarily grown in the Rhône Valley and Roussillon regions of France. It produces rich, full-bodied white wines with flavors of stone fruits, citrus, and a hint of spice. Grenache Gris is often used in blends to add weight and complexity.
Carignan
5%Ca-ree-NYAN
In the past, Carignan was responsible for a lot of bulk wine because of its high yielding potential, but in the right hands it can make quality with intense red fruit, spice, and structure. Often blended with other grape varietals, old vine Carignan can yield rich red fruit driven wines at bang for your buck price levels.
Mourvèdre
5%Moor-VED-ruh
Mourvedre is widely grown in Spain, and in France, where it makes up at least 50% of Bandol, and is typically one of the main blended varietals in Chateauneuf du Pape. It is high quality and strives in hot temperatures. The grapes are dark, and tannic with ample alcohol and intense aromas, particularly of blackberries. It is valued for its heady, structured contribution to blends.
The Laboucarié family, owner of the Domaine de Fontsainte, has been making wines in Corbières since the 17th century.
The Domaine de Fontsainte vineyards are located in the small village of Boutenac dubbed the Golden Crescent of Corbières. The low-yielding vines are planted on silica, clay, and limestone soils. The grapes benefit from a warm Mediterranean climate buttressed by cool sea breezes and natural protection from harsh northern winds by the juxtaposed forest.
Under the stewardship of Bruno Laboucarié, the Domaine de Fontsainte produces balanced and charming terroir-driven wines. Their hand-harvested grenache Gris Rose stands out as a superb, value-driven wine from this historical winemaking region.
Strawberry
Lavender
Crushed Rocks
