04/26/07 Complex

Welcome to Vine to Wine, this is your host Linda Moran. Yesterday we discussed the concept behind term structure when used to describe a wine. Today we are going to talk about the term complexity when it is used to describe your wine. We often read the term complexity for descriptions of wines. Attendees to my wine classes often ask for a precise definition. Well & let's start by saying that you know a complex right away when you experience it. The term complex refers to a wine with layer upon layer of smells and flavors. Maybe a wine has one or two distinct smells and flavors such as berry quality from the fruit and vanilla from the oak. But if another wine has the berry quality and in addition several other fruity impressions like cherry and dried fig in addition to the vanilla there are also spicy tones. See how the complexity is increasing? Complex wine tend to have flavors that evolve and change in the mouth without the fruit flavors ever disappearing. These wines are also long in the finish and the flavors stay with you. Complex wines are the wines that you remember long after you finished the bottle. They are the wines you are raving about to your friends  even if you didn't know they were called complex you just knew right away there was allot going on and that why I said you definitely know a complex wine when you experience it. Remember to send your wine questions to Linda at Vine to Wine dot net and thank you for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.