A unit of measurement for the intensity or length of the finish, or the perceived duration of the aroma and flavour when enjoying wine (Latin: cauda = tail). It was coined in the 1980s by French oenologists and sommeliers, particularly within the context of wine schools such as the Institut d’œnologie de Bordeaux. It quickly found its way into professional tasting terminology, but has remained relatively uncommon in German-speaking countries and is more widely used in French- and English-speaking regions.
A one-second finish corresponds to a ‘caudalie’. If the flavour fades quickly, this is described as a ‘short finish’ (up to about 5 seconds); if it lingers, it is described as a ‘long finish’. There are no internationally standardised or universally agreed thresholds, but the following rule of thumb has generally become established:
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Technischer Lehrer, staatl. geprüfter Sommelier, Hotelfachschule Heidelberg