Body

Cliff-edge

Definition

Flavor drops off abruptly mid-palate — hollow follow-through.

Why this matters in wine

Structural mid-palate gap.

Typical aromas, flavors & texture

  • Thin inexpensive reds

Position inside its category

Body
Cliff-edge

Body

  1. ○Thin
  2. ●Cliff-edge
  3. ○Hollow
  4. ○Mellow
  5. ○Short
  6. ○Austere
  7. ○Angular
  8. ○Delicate
  9. ○Elegant
  10. ○Light-bodied
  11. ○Finesse
  12. ○Closed
  13. ○Polished
  14. ○Complex
  15. ○Full-bodied
  16. ○Tight
  17. ○Firm
  18. ○Powerful
  19. ○Concentrated
  20. ○Dense
  21. ○Opulent
  22. ○Rich
  23. ○Extracted
  24. ○Flabby
  25. ○Fat

Position 2 of 25 on the Body scale.

Parent category

Body — Perceived weight and density — the mouthfeel scale from thin to fat that must track dish heaviness.

Sibling descriptors

Nearby on the scale

More in Body

Frequently confused with

FAQ

What does cliff-edge mean in wine?
Flavor drops off abruptly mid-palate — hollow follow-through.
Why does cliff-edge matter for pairing?
Structural mid-palate gap.

See also