THE OUTCOMES
STYLE
What is Wine Style?
Wine style is the overall character of the wine. It describes how the wine feels, tastes and behaves in the glass. Is it light or rich? Fresh or powerful? Crisp or creamy?
Style is the result of everything that came before, the Forces of nature and the Choices of the winemaker coming together in a single expression. It is the wine’s personality.
Why does it matter?
Most people don’t choose wine by reading technical information. Instead, they choose a style they enjoy. Some people love delicate, refreshing wines, while others prefer bold, rich wines. Neither is better they simply suit different tastes, foods and occasions. Understanding wine style makes choosing wine much easier.
What creates style?
- Climate
- Soil
- Vintage
- Grape variety
- Harvest timing
- Fermentation
- Extraction
- Maturation
- Blending
Every Force and every Choice contributes to the final outcome.
The Aurenloch Style Compass
Seven families of style, from the lightest whites to the fullest reds.
Delicate Whites
Elegant, crisp and refreshing.Light in body with bright acidity and subtle fruit flavours. Perfect for warm days and lighter meals.
- Light-bodied
- Crisp acidity
- Citrus and green fruit
- Clean, refreshing finish
Aromatic Whites
Expressive and fragrant.Vibrant aromas of tropical fruit, flowers, herbs and spice. Often intensely aromatic while remaining fresh and lively.
- Floral aromas
- Tropical or stone fruit
- Bright freshness
- Highly expressive
Rich Whites
Fuller, rounder and more textured.Often barrel fermented, matured or lees aged, creating greater richness and complexity.
- Full-bodied
- Creamy texture
- Ripe fruit
- Layers of complexity
- Long finish
Rosé
Fresh, vibrant and versatile.Sits between white and red, combining freshness with gentle red fruit. From very pale and dry to deeper, fruit-driven examples.
- Strawberry and raspberry fruit
- Crisp acidity
- Refreshing finish
- Light to medium body
Light Reds
Elegant and silky.Emphasise freshness, bright fruit and finesse rather than power. Often enjoyed slightly cooler than fuller reds.
- Soft tannins
- Bright red fruit
- Fresh acidity
- Elegant finish
Medium Reds
Balanced and versatile.Fruit, structure and body in harmony, suiting a wide range of foods and occasions.
- Medium body
- Balanced tannins
- Dark fruit
- Gentle spice
Full-Bodied Reds
Rich, powerful and structured.Deeply coloured with concentrated fruit, firm tannins and excellent ageing potential.
- Full body
- High concentration
- Firm tannins
- Long finish
- Excellent cellaring potential
The story the wine tells
Style is one of the Outcomes. It is the final expression of every Force that shaped the vineyard and every Choice made by the winemaker. While no one can fully control the outcome, every decision leaves its mark. Style is the story the wine ultimately tells.
Two wines made from the same grape variety can belong to completely different style categories. A Chardonnay from a cool climate fermented in stainless steel may be delicate and crisp, while another from the same vintage, barrel fermented and matured in oak, can become rich, creamy and full-bodied. Style is not determined by the grape alone, it is the outcome of the entire journey.