Many times I have seen a wine writer use linear in a descriptor for wine. What exactly are they trying to relate when using this term? The word linear is defined as pertaining to or represented by lines. What does that have to do with a wine?
Linear: Terms that may help you to understand what a wine writer is trying to convey are, focused or precise. Wine can come in a few packages… Big and unctuous, brooding and complex or linear and precise (I did not cover all the bases here). When a wine is described as linear often time I use the term as a “beam of acidity” that drives the notes of grapefruit and gooseberry, as just an example. A beam is straight (most times) and solid. There are certain wines that have a solid core of flavor that starts from the start to the finish. The flavor is focused and true and it is in most cases vibrant. At times, we will narrow it down to a linear finish, meaning the last thing you remember is a vibrant, focused, precise beam of flavor that lingers for some time.
For me, linear in a white wine is a plus. I love a white that is focused, with a beam of acidity that drives the fruit flavors into a precise, vibrant finish. When it comes to red, it depends on what you are looking for. Some may construe a red that is linear as boring. Another words, it lacks complexity. However, when you have a red that is focused and precise, it often is mouth-watering and a nice pairing with meats grilled with BBQ sauce or pasta with a tart red sauce base. A red that has a plethora of flavors that come together into a focused, precise finish can be a wonderful palate experience.
The bottom line is (no pun intended), if a wine is focused, precise and is driven by a fair amount of acidity then you are drinking a wine that is linear on the palate or finish. I hope this is helpful. If not, let me know how I could have defined it better. Cheers! Stan The Wine Man
