Which statement about alcohol and body in wine is true?

• A. More alcohol equals more body (weight)
• B. More alcohol equals less body
• C. Alcohol level has no effect on body
• D. Body is determined only by tannins

Answer: (A)

Body is about the wine’s weight or fullness in the mouth. Alcohol adds to that fullness because ethanol thickens the liquid and creates a coating on the palate, often making the wine feel heavier and more substantial, especially when balanced with glycerol and residual sugar. So, wines with more alcohol tend to have a fuller, more “weighty” mouthfeel, which is why the statement that more alcohol equals more body is the best choice. The other options don’t fit because alcohol does influence body, not having an effect is incorrect; body isn’t determined only by tannins, since alcohol and glycerol also contribute to mouthfeel; and saying more alcohol equals less body runs counter to how alcohol typically enhances weight on the palate.