What is Finish?
The taste that lingers in your mouth after swallowing wine, also called the aftertaste or length.
Understanding Finish
The finish, length, or aftertaste refers to how long flavors persist after you swallow (or spit) wine. A long finish—lasting 30 seconds to several minutes in great wines—is generally considered a sign of quality. The finish may also reveal flavors not apparent on the palate, sometimes becoming more complex as it fades. Professionals often count the seconds of a wine's finish as a quality indicator.
Why It Matters
A wine with a long, pleasant finish provides more enjoyment and value. Many wine critics consider finish when rating quality. A short, abrupt finish may indicate lesser quality.
Examples
- 1Grand Cru Burgundy can have a finish lasting over a minute
- 2Good Champagne leaves a lasting mineral impression
- 3Cheap wine often has a short, simple finish
Related Wine Terms
Quick Definition
"The taste that lingers in your mouth after swallowing wine, also called the aftertaste or length."
Explore More Wine Terms
Tannins
Natural compounds in wine that create a drying, astringent sensation in the mouth.
Tasting TermBouquet
The complex aromas that develop in wine through aging, as opposed to primary fruit aromas.
Tasting TermBody
The weight and fullness of wine in your mouth, described as light, medium, or full-bodied.
Tasting TermAcidity
The tartness in wine that makes your mouth water, providing freshness and balance.
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