full-bodied wine

Meaning

A 'full-bodied wine' is a wine that feels heavy, rich, and thick in the mouth, usually due to a higher alcohol, tannin, or extract content. It has a complex, lingering flavor profile and is often paired with heavy dishes like steak or roasted meats.

Examples

• A Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic example of a full-bodied wine.

  A Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic example of a full-bodied wine.

• We paired the grilled ribeye steak with a rich, full-bodied wine.

  We paired the grilled ribeye steak with a rich, full-bodied wine.

• I prefer a light Pinot Noir over a heavy, full-bodied wine.

  I prefer a light Pinot Noir over a heavy, full-bodied wine.

• This full-bodied wine has strong notes of blackberry, oak, and spice.

  This full-bodied wine has strong notes of blackberry, oak, and spice.

• For winter dinners, I always choose a warm, full-bodied wine to serve.

  For winter dinners, I always choose a warm, full-bodied wine to serve.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I want a wine with a full body.

  ✓ I want a full-bodied wine.

  While 'full body' is sometimes used by experts, 'full-bodied wine' is the standard compound adjective used by English speakers to describe the drink.

• ✗ This is a very fat wine.

  ✓ This is a very full-bodied wine.

  Translating literally from languages like French ('gras') can lead to calling a wine 'fat' in English. Use 'full-bodied' to describe weight and texture naturally.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If you are serving beef stew, you should pair it with a ___.

  💡 A heavy, rich wine.

  Show answer

  full-bodied wine

• This Cabernet is a ___, so it might feel a bit heavy if you're not used to it.

  💡 Rich texture and high alcohol or tannins.

  Show answer

  full-bodied wine