WHAT IS “COMPLEXITY” IN WINE?

Complexity in wine refers to the number, variety, and evolution of aromas, flavors, textures, and sensations a wine offers—and how they change as you smell and taste it. In simple terms: A complex wine keeps revealing new things, rather than tasting like just one or two flavors.

Diane Valenti

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What makes a wine “complex”?

1. Multiple aroma & flavor layers

A complex wine may show:

• Primary flavors: fruit, flowers, herbs (from the grape)

• Secondary flavors: yeast, bread, butter, cream (from fermentation)

• Tertiary flavors: leather, earth, spice, nuts, dried fruit (from aging)

Example:

Instead of just “cherry,” you might get fresh cherry → dried cherry → cocoa → leather → spice.

2. Flavor evolution on the palate

Complex wines:

• Change from entry → mid-palate → finish

• Don’t taste the same the whole time

• Often improve as they open up in the glass

A simple wine tastes the same from start to finish.

3. Balance of structural elements

Complexity often comes from harmony between:

• Acidity

• Tannins

• Alcohol

• Sweetness (if present)

• Body & texture

When these elements are balanced, no single component dominates, allowing nuance to shine.

4. Length of finish

Complex wines usually have a long, lingering finish with evolving flavors after swallowing.

Short finish = often simpler wine

Long, changing finish = often more complex wine

What contributes to complexity?

• Old vines (lower yields, more concentration)

• Thoughtful vineyard practices

• Fermentation techniques (native yeast, lees contact)

• Oak aging (especially well-integrated oak)

• Bottle aging

• Blending multiple grapes or vineyard sites

Simple vs. Complex (quick comparison)

Simple Wine Complex Wine

One or two dominant flavors Many layered flavors

Tastes the same throughout Evolves while tasting

Short finish Long, lingering finish

Easy, straightforward Engaging, thought-provoking

Important note:

Complex doesn’t always mean “better.”

Simple wines can be delicious and perfect for casual drinking, while complex wines often shine when you want to slow down and pay attention.

WHAT IS “COMPLEXITY” IN WINE?

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