There’s a little irony in this, defining definition in wine as a definition (did that come out right?). However, it is true that many writers when describing a wine will either say it lacks definition, or the elements of the wine have definition. What is the writer trying to convey?
One definition of the word definition (don’t get dizzy on me here) is to make distinct or clearly outlined. When I say a wine lacks definition, I am trying to let the reader know that the wine has no clear or distinct characteristics. Another words, you will have a hard time identifying specific elements of the wine such as flavors, acidity, tannins or mid-palate.
Let’s use the example of a bodybuilder to illustrate. When a bodybuilder lacks definition, it means that certain muscle groups do not stand out from the rest. Perhaps it’s the deltoids, or the pectoral muscles or the hamstrings or the triceps. The person may be muscle-bound, but there is nothing that stands apart from the rest. The person is merely a huge lump of muscle. He or she may be phenomenal to look at, but the bodybuilder has no chance of winning any competitions.
It is the same with a wine. It can be a good glass of wine and a lot of folks will like it. It has flavor and is soft and approachable. However, it is hard to put a finger on any specific thing that makes the wine good. It is simply a muscle-bound wine that tastes good. Loads of fruit, perhaps red or black? Smooth, but is there structure? The flavors are alive, but why? That is a wine that lacks definition.
A wine with definition is clearly outlined. The front side of the palate (the first thing you taste when you put it into your mouth), is loaded with clear flavors of blackberry, blueberry, raspberry or whatever flavors you pick up. The wine will have a definite backbone of acidity that drives the flavors. You will taste it and understand it. The mid-palate will come through as clear as day. There may be similar flavors as the beginning but there may also be new flavors on the backside. The flavors will continue into a finish that is outlined by specific flavors that will linger. Basically, flavors and elements of the wine are clearly defined and stand out.
To be fair, some of you could really like a wine that lacks definition. The wines in this category can be delicious, just like a muscle-bound body-builder that lacks definition can be eye candy to some observers. There is nothing wrong with that. However, for those of us that are a little stuffy about wine and are looking to rate it, definition plays a role in the final judgement of the wine. If that is something you care about, than great. If not, then that is o.k too. I just wanted to try to help you understand what a writer was trying to convey when using this word. I hope it helped. Just enjoy what you like and be willing to expand your palate, that is all that really matters. Cheers! Stan The Wine Man
