Structured Wine: Body, Power and Must-Know Examples

When we say a wine is structured, it's not just to sound fancy. It's a precise term from wine vocabulary that describes a solid, well-built wine with body and staying power. A bit like a beautiful stone house: you can feel there's depth, substance, and above all... longevity.

What is a Structured Wine?

A structured wine is primarily a wine with a well-defined framework. Three elements contribute to this:

• Tannins (especially in reds), which give grip and a sense of texture in the mouth
• Alcohol, which reinforces the sensation of roundness and density
• Acidity, which balances everything and prevents it from becoming too heavy

The result? A structured wine fills the palate, leaves a lasting impression, and often calls for dishes that can match its intensity.

Can We Say a Structured Wine is Built to Last?

Often, yes. A structured wine has solid foundations: tannins, structure, sometimes beautiful aging. It can therefore evolve very well over time.

But be careful: it's not automatic. If a wine lacks acidity or balance, its structure alone won't be enough. It risks becoming heavy or drying out.

👉 A structured wine has the potential to age well, provided the whole is harmonious.

Structured, Tannic, Fleshy, Balanced... What Are the Differences?

These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they describe different realities:

• Structured : well-built, with body, a beautiful framework. These are the wine's foundations.
• Tannic : refers to tannins, that gripping or astringent sensation. A tannic wine can be structured, but not always.
• Fleshy : evokes volume, roundness, fruit. A fleshy wine is often appealing but not necessarily structured.
• Balanced : the Holy Grail. When all elements (alcohol, tannins, acidity, possible sugar) are perfectly dosed. A wine can be structured and unbalanced... or the opposite.

A good structured wine often checks several of these boxes, but it all depends on the style sought.

Some Examples of Structured Red Wines

It often starts with the grape variety. Some are naturally designed to produce powerful and structured wines, capable of standing up to characterful dishes or aging beautifully. For example:

• Cabernet Sauvignon : king of structure, notably in Bordeaux or Napa Valley
• Syrah/Shiraz : powerful, spicy, tannic (Northern Rhône, Australia)
• Malbec : generous and dense, perfect in Argentina
• Tannat : not for beginners! Very tannic, very structured (Madiran, Uruguay)
• Tempranillo : in Spain, it produces structured wines especially in Reserva or Gran Reserva versions

And in White?

White wine can also be structured, even without tannins:

• A well-ripened Chardonnay, barrel-aged (e.g.: a Californian white or a Meursault 1er Cru)
• A Sémillon from Australia or Bordeaux
• Certain South African or Rhône blends, rich and full

How to Pair a Structured Wine?

The more structure in the wine, the more substance needed on the plate. For a structured red, serve:

• Grilled or braised red meats
• Sauced dishes, hearty tagine, game
• Aged cheeses, like 24-month Comté, aged Mimolette or powerful tomme

For structured whites: roasted poultry, noble fish in sauce, creamy risottos...

Some Bottles for Lovers of Wines with Substance

🍷 Vasse Felix, Filius, Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (Australia): a powerful and elegant red, perfect with grilled red meats or aged cheeses.

🍷 Viu Manent, 'Single Vineyard' San Carlos Estate, Malbec 2017 (Chile): aged 16 months in large barrels, barrels and concrete eggs by a Chilean Malbec specialist, this wine will delight lovers of structured wines. Delicious with braised dishes like beef bourguignon.

🍷 Giovanni Rosso, Barolo Del Commune di Serrralunga d'Alba 2019 (Italy): the structured Italian wine par excellence, this Barolo combines powerful tannins, remarkable acidity and complex aromas.

And for the Cellar?

A structured wine can generally be kept between 5 and 15 years, sometimes more. Simply monitor :

• The acidity level
• The balance between alcohol and tannins
• The vintage style

An aging wine is a marathoner : it needs endurance, not just muscle.

Structured, Yes... But Always Well-Built

The structured wine is the backbone of a beautiful bottle. It impresses with its staying power, depth, and ability to age. But as always in wine, it's all about harmony. A well-built wine is good. A well-built and balanced wine is even better.