Weighty describes a wine that feels substantial and full in the mouth, with noticeable body, concentration or alcohol warmth. It is a sensory description rather than a formal quality grade. Weight can come from ripe fruit, higher alcohol, extract, residual sugar or a combination of these factors.
A weighty wine may feel dense and broad across the palate rather than light or delicate. Amarone della Valpolicella, some Châteauneuf-du-Pape and richly textured Australian Shiraz can show this character, although style varies by producer and vintage.
Example: serve a weighty Amarone with braised beef, game or aged hard cheese, where the dish has enough intensity to match the wine.
Related terms: full-bodied refers to overall palate weight; powerful often suggests intensity and structure as well as body.
This term is one of hundreds covered in depth across OCS courses, learning paths, and 1-on-1 coaching with Chef Eric.
