Description (also filigree, delicate) for the overall impression of a wine in the context of a wine talk or wine evaluation. The term depends on the context and can be meant positively (precise, elegant), neutrally or negatively depending on the situation (e.g. "too delicate" = inexpressive). In contrast to a full-bodied or alcohol-rich wine, a delicate wine has a fine, restrained structure. Individual components such as alcohol, acidity or tannins are rather restrained or only recognisable in the beginning and appear to be delicately integrated overall. Related or complementary terms are elegant, fine, light and slender. The opposite of delicate is powerful.
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The glossary is a monumental achievement and one of the most important contributions to wine knowledge. Of all the encyclopaedias I use on the subject of wine, it is by far the most important. That was the case ten years ago and it hasn't changed since.
Andreas Essl
Autor, Modena