W3 Wine School

Evaluating Wine

Evaluating a wine's quality using the BLIC framework (Balance, Length, Intensity, Complexity) is a systematic way to assess how well a wine performs across key characteristics.

When all four elements are present and well-executed, they form the foundation of a high-quality wine. For example:

A well-balanced wine will have its fruit, acidity, alcohol and tannins in harmony. A long finish suggests the wine has depth and staying power. Intense aromas and flavors indicate concentration and care in winemaking. Complexity adds intrigue, with layers of evolving flavors and aromas keeping you engaged.

By using BLIC, you can systematically assess a wine and form a well-rounded opinion of its quality.


Balance

Balance refers to the harmony between the wine's elements (sugar, acidity, tannin, alcohol, and fruit).

A well-balanced wine will not have any one characteristic overwhelming the others.

Each component should be in proportion, creating a sense of equilibrium (emotional balance):

A balanced wine feels seamless, without any one element standing out.


Length

Length measures how long the flavors of the wine persist on the palate after you've swallowed or spit it out.

A wine with good length has flavors that linger and evolve. A quality wine has a long finish that leaves an impression.

Important: It is the length of time that the fruit and other positive flavors linger on the palate, not the length the sensations of acidity, tannins or bitterness stay in your mouth.


Intensity

Intensity refers to the strength and concentration of the wine’s aromas and flavors. A high-quality wine will have clear, vivid flavors that are noticeable without being too weak or overpowering.

Intensity can vary depending on the style of wine, but generally, a wine with clear, expressive flavors is more highly regarded.

Complexity

Complexity refers to the range and variety of flavors and aromas a wine offers. A more complex wine will reveal multiple layers of flavors, such as fruit, floral, spice, earth, and tertiary notes (like tobacco or leather in aged wines). Complex wines tend to keep revealing new characteristics over time, making each sip more interesting.


Alcohol can be addictive. Always drink in moderation.

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