Does Alcohol Have a Flavor?

Karen, does alcohol in and of itself contribute flavor to wine?

Yes.  Besides weight, fullness and roundness on the palate, alcohol contributes a slight sense of sweetness.  For example, wines that are generally high in alcohol such as California zinfandels and Australian shirazes often have a slightly sweet flavor.  That sweetness comes not just from the ripeness of the grapes, but also from the alcohol that was created during fermentation.

— Karen

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