Viscosity is the thickness or 'weight' of wine, perceived as how it coats the mouth and the 'legs' or 'tears' that run down the glass. It rises with alcohol and sugar content — high-alcohol and sweet wines feel more viscous. Though prominent legs are often mistaken for a quality sign, they mainly indicate alcohol and sugar levels, not how good the wine is.
WHY IT MATTERS FOR COLLECTORS
Don't read legs as a quality marker — they signal alcohol and sweetness, not greatness. Viscosity contributes to body and texture, but balance between weight and freshness matters far more than thickness alone.
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