Term (French for fineness, precision) for a special qualitative characteristic in viticulture. The term describes an overall qualitative effect characterised by moderation, balance and attention to detail. In the context of a wine description or wine evaluation, finesse is often used to characterise a wine with a fine, differentiated and harmonious effect of smell and taste; in this sense, the term is synonymous with fine (French fin). Related terms are elegant, delicate, filigree and slender.
In addition, finesse is also used outside the sensory description, for example for finesse-emphasised ageing, finesse-rich stylistics, finesse-oriented winemaking or to characterise soils, sites or wines that are more convincing through precision and elegance than through power or opulence.
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