Guide to Wine Podcast: Episode 125

What Makes Wine Taste the Way It Does?
Tannin, Acidity, and Body

Air Date: Wednesday, October 8th, 2025

Listen to the Podcast!

What if the secret to understanding wine wasn’t memorizing grapes or regions but unlocking just three key components?

In this episode, I’m breaking down the building blocks that shape every glass of wine: tannin, acidity, and body. By learning how to identify these elements, you’ll not only know what you like (and don’t like), but also have the words to describe it with confidence.

You’ll discover why tannins create that dry “cotton ball” feeling in your mouth, how acidity makes your mouth water, and why body is the foundation for food pairings. Along the way, you’ll get simple tasting tricks like the “chipmunk test” for tannin and the “drool test” for acidity, plus everyday comparisons (think milk or almond milk) that make wine structure easy to understand.

So, whether you’re brand new to wine or looking to sharpen your wine confidence, tune in to this episode and discover these three essentials that will help you better understand your next glass of wine.

Thank you to the following brands for sponsoring this podcast:

• Wine.com: Go to wine.com/corkfizz and use code CORKFIZZ for FREE shipping on your order over $150. (Limit one per customer.)
• Vacu Vin: Go to us.vacuvin.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 20% off your order!
• BonChocolats: Go to bonchocolats.com to order some delicious artisan chocolate (that actually pairs well with wine)!

Episode Highlights:

• Learn what tannins are and how they create that drying “cotton ball” feeling
• Discover how foods like cheese soften tannins in wine
• Understand the difference between “dry wine” and tactile dryness
• Explore the role of acidity in wine balance and aging potential
• Find out how malolactic fermentation adds buttery flavors
• Try the “chipmunk test” to identify tannins in red wine
• Use the “drool test” to measure acidity in your glass
• Match wine body with food intensity for better pairings
• Compare wine body using everyday references like milk or almond milk

​Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!
https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

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