Freshness: effect, not measurement

The standard

Perceived liveliness judges whether a wine seems awake and invigorating, regardless of the amount of acidity it analytically contains. What counts is the overall impression, not a single figure.

Criteria

• The wine seems awake and invigorating on the attack
• Acidity, fruit and aromatics interlock rather than standing out singly
• Oxidative or tired notes are absent
• The impression persists through its progression in the glass

Distinction

Freshness ≠ acidity: acidity is a measurable component, freshness the perceived overall impression to which it contributes. Freshness ≠ youth: even a matured wine can seem fresh. Perceived liveliness remains a judgement of effect, not of age.