What is a lean wine? It seems like a weird thing to say about wine. Like is it that the wine bottle has become the leaning tower of Pisa, or maybe you’ll be leaning after a couple of glasses? Or does it mean that the wine has a new fitness regime? Well, it may seem like a weird wine term, but calling a wine lean does actually have a meaning in wine tastings. It’s just another one of those terms you might see on a wine label and think: what on Earth does that mean? In this wine terms explained, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about what it means for a wine to be lean.
What is a lean wine?
Contrary to what it might sound like, a wine that is lean isn’t any of the above (although leaning after a couple of glasses could still ring true). Unfortunately for us, Lean isn’t a term that has a real literal translation. It’s more of a feeling, rather than a specific flavour.
So what on earth does that mean? Well, think about the difference between something like an oaked Chardonnay and something like a Pinot Grigio. The full-bodied Chardonnay tastes rich and lush, but the Pinot Grigio is tight and a bit sharper.
Lean wines are usually described as steely, sharper and slimmer. They usually narrow in on a specific flavour profile rather than focusing on a range of fruity-tasting notes. This means the wine can sometimes taste like it is lacking in fruit.
Is it a good thing?
Now you might be thinking, that doesn’t sound like a positive trait. But the thing about lean as a tasting note is that it is a feeling, so it is entirely subjective. This means it can be used positively or negatively depending on what you prefer. When used in a positive light, the wine is crisp and although it might have a slim profile, it is still very enjoyable. Used in a negative light, it is used to describe wine that lacks fruit notes.
So whether or not you enjoy a lean wine is really based on personal preference. If you enjoy steely, crisp whites with not a lot of fruit, these wines are for you!
Where you’ll find it
If you’re looking for wines that are lean, you need to start with white wines. For something lean and crisp, look no further than Italian varieties like Pinot Grigio, Vermentino and Soave. They pair beautifully with seafood and chicken! You can also sometimes find it in Riesling.