Acidity gives wine freshness and makes your mouth water. It is the backbone of white wines and crucial for ageing. High-acid grapes include Riesling, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc.
Tannin comes from grape skins, seeds, stems and oak. It creates a drying, grip sensation: especially in reds like Nebbiolo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. Tannin acts as a natural preservative, helping red wines age.
Sweetness ranges from bone-dry (no residual sugar) to luscious sweet (late-harvest, botrytis wines). Even a technically dry wine can taste round if alcohol is high or acidity is low.
