The Wine Experience   
Components     

One of the key challenges that faces the winemaker is how to properly balance the several components that make up the wine.   You see, wine is a pretty complex thing and if one particular piece of the puzzle is out of whack it throws off the whole taste experience.  

There are four taste influences to keep in balance - acids give the wine a tangy freshness... but too much and tangy becomes tart.   Take a sip of lemon juice and you'll see what that means.  

Tannin is essential to aging and structure but too much and you'll pucker right up, like biting into a tea bag.  

Sugar is sweet, which can be basic to the style of the wine.  

And then there's alcohol.   Wines with too much alcohol actually have a warm aftertaste.   Wines with some sugar may be lower in alcohol, like German wines, which then supply the acid to counter balance the sugar.  

Acids, tannins, sugars, and alcohol... the winemaker's goal is harmony and balance.  

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