What is it?
We use a 1-10 weighting system that measures the body of the wine. 1 is the lightest-bodied wine we carry, our “skim milk.” Things progressively build in body to 5, our “whole milk.” We cap everything off at 10, our “heavy cream.” We do this twice: 1W to 10W for white wines, and 1R to 10R for red wines.
Why did We Develop it?
The Progressive Scale helps you, the wine buyer and drinker, find wines that are best suited to your palate, and can help you demystify food and wine pairings. Browse through the boxes below to see the general characteristics of each section of the Progressive Scale!
Why the Milk Analogy?
We can’t take credit for that one! The milk analogy was developed by world-renowned wine educator Kevin Zraly. All of us know the difference between skim milk, whole milk, and heavy cream, so using this reference point makes it easier for our customers to understand differing wine weights as well.
Lightest-bodied wines with a mouthfeel similar to skim milk
Cool climate wines with high acidity
Slightly warmer climates and riper grapes lead to more body
Techniques like neutral barrels and lees contact add body
Medium-bodied wines with a mouthfeel similar to whole milk
Warmer growing regions and riper grapes add to the wine's body
Creamier wines with balanced acidity and body
New World juiciness overtakes Old World restraint
Sunshine, ripe grapes and oak aging create full-bodied wines
Fullest-bodied wines with a mouthfeel similar to heavy cream
