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.
TANNIN
Low
Subtle
Balanced
Pronounced
High
Tannin can range greatly in wine, but it is necessary to some degree, and a necessary constituent for red wines to age well. In high amounts, it can cause a drying affect, which is sensed mostly on the gums and tongue. Tannin is a natural preservative extracted from grape skins, otherwise known as polyphenols that are micronutrients and antioxidants with potential health benefits.
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
14.5%
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.
Barbera is actually one of the world’s most planted grape varieties, but excels in quality in cool climates with the best expressions generally found in Piedmont, Italy. The wines are dry with elevated acidity and forward fruit with less tannin than its Piedmontese neighbor Nebbiolo, which often overshadows it.
In the last few years, Oddero, under the leadership of the granddaughter of Giacomo Oddero, Mariacristina, along with his grandchildren, have made huge strides in quality at this historic traditional estate.
The estate has always farmed some of the best vineyards among the 35 hectares under vine, including Vigna Rionda, Rocche di Castiglione, and Bussia. The winery is now organic and has introduced more innovation to the winemaking process, adding to the consistency of wines.
The wines of Oddero balance power and elegance along with an aromatic intensity and structure that speaks to the potential of nebbiolo in Piedmont, Italy.
Red Cherry
Tobacco
Leather
