What does “angular” mean in wine tasting lingo?
Hello there! I'm Dr. Vinifera, but you can call me Vinny. Ask me your toughest wine questions, from the fine points of etiquette to the science of winemaking. And don't worry, I'm no wine snob—you can also ask me those "dumb questions" you're too embarrased to ask your wine geek friends! I hope you find my answers educational, empowering and even amusing. And don't forget to check out my most asked questions and my full archives for all my Q&A classics.
Dear Dr. Vinny,
What does “angular” means in wine tasting lingo?
—Aniko, Budapest
Dear Aniko,
Something that’s “angular” has sharp corners, and in the case of wine, that’s probably a negative thing. The angles can come from tannins or acidity, or just because the overall impression is unwelcoming or lean. The opposite of an angular wine would be one that is round, soft, fleshy or generous.
Check out our glossary of wine terms for more help understanding how we talk about wine!
—Dr. Vinny
