BODY RED WINES
What They Are and Which Ones to Choose - The Definitive Guide
If you are a red wine enthusiast and want to discover new nuances and taste experiences, you are in the right place! In this definitive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about full-bodied red wines, from their definition to choosing the best examples to try.
Ready for a wine adventure?
FULL BODY REDS
What does "full-bodied red wine" mean?
The structure of a wine is determined by several factors, including tannin content, acidity, alcohol, the presence of residual sugars and glycerine.
Full-bodied red wines tend to have a high content of tannins , which are mainly present in the grape skin. This gives them a characteristic astringency and a wide range of complex aromas.
The acidity balances the body of the wine, giving a freshness that helps make the tasting experience even more pleasant.
Glycerol is an alcohol naturally present in wine. It contributes significantly to the roundness of the wine thanks to its chemical structure which gives a sensation of roundness in the mouth.
But what exactly does "wine body" mean?
By wine body we mean that sensation of fullness and consistency that is felt in the mouth when tasting a wine. It's as if the wine envelops the tongue and leaves a lingering trace after each sip.
To better understand the structure of wine, it is important to know the factors that influence it. One of these is the tannin content. Tannins are phenolic compounds found mainly in grape skin and pomace. They are responsible for the astringency of the wine and contribute to its overall structure. Full-bodied red wines tend to have a high tannin content, which gives them a robust feel and a wide range of aromas.
Another factor that contributes to the structure of wine is acidity. The acidity balances the body of the wine, giving a freshness and liveliness that contrasts the sensation of heaviness.
Another important element that influences the structure of wine is alcohol. Alcohol contributes to the sensation of fullness in the mouth and can give the wine a sensation of warmth.
And then the sugars give the wine a sensation of softness and fullness in the mouth.
In conclusion, the structure of wine is determined by a combination of factors, including tannin content, acidity, alcohol and the presence of residual sugars. These elements help create a sensation of fullness and consistency in the mouth, making the wine tasting experience even more satisfying and complex.
If you want to learn more , read our article on full-bodied wines.
What is the structure or body of wine?
The structure of a wine is determined by several factors, including tannin content, acidity, alcohol, glycerin and the presence of residual sugars . Full-bodied red wines tend to have a high content of tannins, which are mainly present in the grape skin. This gives them a characteristic astringency and a wide range of complex aromas. Furthermore, the acidity helps make the tasting experience even more pleasant.
Wine body refers to the sensation of fullness and consistency felt in the mouth when tasting a wine. It's as if the wine envelops the tongue and leaves a lingering trace after each sip.
The aromas that can be found in full-bodied red wines
Full-bodied red wines are distinguished by the great variety of aromas they can develop. The combination of factors such as the starting grape variety , the production region (with specific soils and climate) and the winemaking techniques adopted, gives these wines a unique personality.
Some of the most common aromas that can be found in full-bodied red wines include ripe black fruits, spices, chocolate, tobacco and damp earth, but also notes of red fruit, such as cherries or strawberries. Other wines can surprise with aromas of aromatic herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, which add a fresh and spicy note to the bouquet.
It is precisely this richness of aromas that makes full-bodied red wines fascinating to explore and taste, as each sip offers a new sensorial nuance to discover.
But that is not all!
The geographical origin of the wine, with its specific terroir , can also influence the aromas that can be found in full-bodied red wines. For example, full-bodied red wines from Tuscany can offer hints of leather and tobacco, which are characteristic of this area. Likewise, full-bodied red wines from Bordeaux , France, may feature notes of black fruit, such as blueberries or plums.
The winemaking techniques used can also influence the aromas of the wine. For example, aging in wooden barrels can give red wine full-bodied vanilla and toasted notes, while maceration in contact with the skins can intensify the aromas of ripe fruit or in alcohol.
In short, each bottle is a unique experience that invites you to discover new sensorial nuances and appreciate the complexity of these extraordinary wines. The important thing is knowing how to find them.
Wines structured for tasting: what to expect
When you taste a full-bodied, structured red wine, expect an engaging and enveloping experience. From the first sip, the wine captures your attention with its complexity and depth. You will notice a pleasant sensation of texture in the mouth, which is combined with a tasty intensity. The tannins can be perceived as a slight astringency, but well balanced by the acidity and the presence of ripe fruit. The long gustatory persistence is another distinctive trait of full-bodied red wines. After you swallow, the flavor of the wine continues to linger in your mouth for a few moments, inviting you to take your time to fully savor it.
Guide to choosing a full-bodied and structured red wine
When it comes to choosing the perfect full-bodied red wine for you, there are a few factors to consider. First, look for information on the grape variety used in wine production. Some grape varieties, such as Nebbiolo or Aglianico, are known for producing full-bodied and complex red wines.
Also, take the manufacturing region into consideration. Some Italian wine areas, such as Valpolicella or Piedmont, are famous for the production of full-bodied, high-quality red wines.
Finally, the most important thing is your personal taste . If you prefer intense red wines with a strong character, opt for a full-bodied wine that meets your preferences. And remember, every choice is an opportunity to explore new scents and flavors.
The production areas for red and complex wines in Italy
Italy boasts numerous production areas that are renowned for their full-bodied and complex red wines. Among the most famous are Tuscany, Piedmont, Sicily, Puglia and Campania.
Tuscany, for example, is the home of prestigious wines such as Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico and Sassicaia. These wines are internationally recognized for their superlative quality and undisputed structure.
In Piedmont, Barolo and Nebbiolo are the absolute protagonists. These wines offer extraordinary aromatic complexity and unparalleled gustatory pleasure.
From Sicily come Nero d'Avola and Tintilia, wines that tell ancient stories and which, thanks to the unique environmental conditions, are able to produce full-bodied and enveloping wines.
Puglia, with Aglianico del Vulture, and Campania, with Aglianico and Taurasi, complete the list of Italian regions that produce full-bodied and highly valuable red wines.
The best vines for obtaining a structured red wine
Many Italian grape varieties are known for their ability to produce structured red wines. Among the most renowned, we find Nebbiolo, Aglianico, Sangiovese and Nero d'Avola.
Nebbiolo, used for the production of Barolo and Barbaresco, is considered one of the most noble and complex vines in the world. Nebbiolo wines stand out for their elegant character and their marked tannic structure.
Aglianico, on the other hand, is famous for creating full-bodied wines with great longevity. Aglianico del Vulture, produced in Basilicata, is an excellent example of how this vine manages to express all its power and organoleptic complexity.
Sangiovese, typical of Tuscany, is another grape variety known for producing full-bodied red wines, such as Brunello di Montalcino or Chianti Classico. These wines offer a pleasant combination of structure, balance and harmony.
Finally, Nero d'Avola, an indigenous Sicilian vine, gives red wines with great personality and characterized by a rich and soft body.
Pairings between food and full-bodied red wines
Food and wine pairings are a fundamental aspect to fully appreciate a full-bodied red wine. The structure and intensity of these wines go well with dishes with an equally strong and complex flavour, such as grilled or braised red meats, mature cheeses, game and pasta dishes with rich sauces.
The important thing is to seek a balance between the structure of the wine and the intensity of the food. Opt for a combination that enhances both protagonists, without overwhelming one with the other.
How to choose the finest and most structured red wines
When looking for a fine and structured red wine, quality is fundamental: look for prestigious wineries and denominations and get help from experts who can guide you through the complexity of the wine.
DOCG wines such as Amarone della Valpolicella, Barolo and Brunello di Montalcino are synonymous with quality and a guarantee of excellence. Looking for niche wineries that work well by focusing everything on quality gives you the guarantee of a quality product.
Don't be afraid to explore and try wines from lesser-known regions, you may discover authentic hidden gems. If you can get advice from experts: so much the better!
ITALIAN BODY WINES
10 types of full-bodied and fine red wines to try, produced in Italy
1. Amaronedella Valpolicella 🍷
This red wine comes from the Valpolicella region (Veneto).
It is known for its impressive structure and rich flavor .
Amarone is made from dried grapes, which means the grapes are dried before winemaking to concentrate the sugars. This process gives the wine a unique power and complexity , making it perfect for special occasions.
2. Aglianico del Vulture 🍷
Originally from Basilicata, Aglianico del Vulture is a full-bodied and enveloping red wine.
It stands out for its intense fruity and spicy personality.
The volcanic soil of the area gives this wine a characteristic minerality, contributing to its complexity.
3. Barolo 🍷
Often called "the king of Italian wines", Barolo originates from Piedmont .
It is known for its depth and complexity .
This wine is made with the Nebbiolo grape and ages for a minimum period of 38 months. The result is a wine with intense aromas of ripe fruit, notes of liquorice and spices. It is an excellent choice for those looking for a truly extraordinary tasting experience.
4. Rossese di Dolceacqua🍷
Originally from Liguria, Rossese di Dolceacqua is a surprising wine with a particular structure.
It offers aromatic complexity with notes ranging from red fruit to aromatic herbs. It is an interesting choice for those who want to explore wines off the beaten track.
5. Nebbiolo 🍷
Nebbiolo is a versatile grape variety that finds its maximum expression in wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco .
Originally from Piedmont , Nebbiolo offers wines with notes of ripe fruit, liquorice and spices. It is known for its ability to age beautifully, developing astonishing complexity over time.
6. Tintilia 🍷
A hidden treasure of Molise, the Tintilia vine gives elegant and structured wines, with excellent body.
Its grapes produce wines with complex aromas of black fruit and spices .
This is an example of how the lesser-known regions of Italy can offer very high quality wines.
7. Sassicaia 🍷
This is one of the most famous and internationally recognized Italian wines.
Originally from Tuscany, Sassicaia displays a surprising structure and a bouquet of refined aromas.
It is a wine whose quality has contributed to changing the perception of Italian wine in the world.
8. Brunello di Montalcino 🍷
This wine is synonymous with elegance and quality. Coming from the Montalcino region of Tuscany, Brunello offers unique complexity and great longevity.
It is made from 100% Sangiovese grapes and is known to develop a softer, velvetier character as it ages.
9. Nero d'Avola 🍷
This red wine, originally from Sicily, is a full-bodied, warm and enveloping red.
It offers intense aromas of red fruit and spices, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a full-bodied wine with character.
10. Sangiovese 🍷
Sangiovese is the Tuscan grape par excellence.
From it derive full-bodied and harmonious wines, such as Chianti Classico and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
This grape variety is appreciated for its versatility and its ability to express the unique terroir of Tuscany.
SELECTION OF BODY WINES
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Explore the world of full-bodied red wines with the help of our expert sommeliers and enjoy the sensorial experience that every sip of these unique oenological pearls offers you. Whether you are an expert enthusiast or a new enthusiast in the world of wines, Sommelier Wine Box is here to guide you in your discovery and always guarantee maximum wine satisfaction.
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Happy tasting!
FAQ on full-bodied wines
What does structured wine mean?
A structured wine is a wine that has a solid base of tannins, acids and alcohol, which help give the wine a feeling of fullness, described as "body".
These elements give the wine a greater consistency in the mouth . Furthermore, structured wines are usually more complex, with intense flavors and can offer a wide range of aromas.
What type of wine is Barolo?
Barolo is a very high quality Italian red wine produced in Piedmont, particularly in the areas around Barolo and La Morra.
It is known as "the king of wines" and is made with Nebbiolo grapes, a native black grape variety. Barolo is famous for its profound aromatic complexity, with notes of ripe fruit, roses and spices. It often requires a period of aging to reach its maximum expression.
What wine do you drink with meat?
The choice of wine to pair with meat depends on the wine chosen and naturally on the meat.
For grilled or roasted red meats, such as beef, full-bodied red wines, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah, are often recommended. For delicate white meats such as chicken, the ideal is a wine that is not too structured such as Pinot Noir or Schiava Trentina. The secret is to balance the flavors of the wine and the meat so that they balance each other out in flavor without overwhelming each other.
What kind of wine do you drink with braised meat?
Braised meat is a rich and tasty dish that pairs well with full-bodied and structured red wines.
An excellent pairing is with Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino or a Cabernet Sauvignon.
These wines have the complexity and structure needed to harmonize with the intense flavors of the braised meat, ideally cooked in the same wine.
What does the tannic taste of a wine mean?
The tannic taste refers to the sensation of astringency and "drying" that is felt in the mouth when drinking a red wine, particularly if it is young or very structured.
This astringency is due to the tannins present in the grapes and in the winemaking process. Wines with a tannic taste have a "presence" sensation in the mouth that often softens with aging.
What does it mean that a wine is soft?
A soft wine is a wine that has a low perception of tannins or a very delicate tannic sensation in the mouth. These wines are often described as "velvety" and flow easily without causing sensations of astringency. The smoothness of a wine can be attributed to various factors, including the type of grape, the winemaking process, aging and the presence of glycerin.
What are some examples of full-bodied wines?
Some examples of full-bodied wines include Barolo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Brunello di Montalcino, Malbec and Bordeaux. These wines are known for their structure and aging ability, as well as offering a wide range of complex aromas.
What is the fullest wine?
Defining the most full-bodied wine in the world is not easy but some wine regions are famous for the production of full-bodied red wines:
1. Napa Valley, California (USA): Napa Valley is renowned for its full-bodied and structured Cabernet Sauvignons.
2. Bordeaux, France: Bordeaux is famous for producing high-quality red wines, especially those based on Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes.
3. Barossa Valley, Australia: This region is known for its rich, full-bodied Shiraz.
4. Tuscany, Italy: Tuscany is famous for its Brunello di Montalcino, a Tuscan red wine known for its structure and complexity.
5. Priorat, Spain: Priorat is renowned for its full-bodied, mineral red wines based on grapes such as Garnacha (Grenache) and Carignan.
6. Nebbiolo, Italy: Barolo (Piedmont) is often considered one of the fullest red wines in the world. It is known for its structure, richness in tannins and aromatic complexity.