The Wine Cellar Chronicles

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Wine clarity

/ˈklaːrɪti/

Winemaking, Quality, Visual, Tasting, CompetitionLast updated May 9, 2025

Wine clarity refers to the visual appearance of wine in terms of its transparency and the absence of visible particles or sediment. It indicates how clear the wine appears when viewed against a light source.

Examples

  • A wine that has undergone cold stabilization and filtration might be described as having excellent clarity.
  • A young, unfiltered wine may exhibit less clarity due to the presence of natural yeast and other particles.
  • During a wine competition, judges may note the clarity of a wine as part of their overall assessment.

Etymology

The term 'clarity' derives from the Latin word 'clarus', meaning 'clear' or 'bright'. It has been used in the wine context since the 17th century to describe wine's visual quality.

Usage Notes

Clarity is assessed during winemaking and at wine tastings, influencing consumer perception and indicating the effectiveness of filtration and fining processes.