Have you ever looked at your wine bottle and noticed the term ABV on it? You may already know that ABV stands for alcohol by volume, and it is the amount of ethanol or alcohol in a volume of liquid. Unfortified wines have an ABV at or below 16%, while fortified wine ranges from 15.5% to 25% ABV.
A glass of wine that only has a 7% ABV has half the amount of alcohol as a glass with 14%, which is an essential difference a consumer must understand. Not only does the ABV percentage affect how much alcohol you are drinking, but it can also affect the taste and body of the wine you are consuming.
ABV’s Effects on Taste
The taste of a wine will be different for everyone who takes a sip. It is comparable to a person’s dislike or enjoyment of various foods. Some people love broccoli, for example, while others can’t stand it. Some people who drink wine only enjoy wines with an ABV of 10% or less, while others prefer 15% and higher. The alcohol content can impact the taste of the wine, but whether the impact is good or bad is up to the drinker.
Body and ABV
A wine’s ABV content also affects the body of the wine. The body of wine refers to how heavy or light the wine feels. Alcohol content is the main factor that changes a wine’s body, which can make it feel thick and filling or smooth like water. If you prefer a lighter taste when drinking, choose a wine that has a lower ABV rate. If you prefer a thicker, fuller wine, go for a vintage with higher ABV rates.
Choosing a good bottle of wine for your acquired taste preferences can be complicated. Understanding ABV will help you choose a wine based on your preferences. No bottle of wine is strictly better or worse than another–flavor profiles are based on your preferences. Remember to pick out a lower ABV if you like a lighter drink or a higher ABV if you like fuller wines. And keep testing different flavors to find your favorites!