Dense

Definition - What does Dense mean?

In the analysis of a wine, the term dense refers to a wine which has yet to fully "open up". The word dense is often used to describe the aroma of a wine which shows potential of various descriptors, but is too closed to note each separately, this may be a wine that needs decanting or a wine which is young.

WineFrog explains Dense

To describe a wine as "dense" is to say that a wine holds potential. The potential refers to the ability the wine has to age and present layers and complexity or depth. A dense wine can be a young wine which needs more aging in proper conditions to reach its full maturity and capacity. A dense wine can also be a wine which is in need of decanting. Decanting a dense wine can allow for it to "open up" by exposing it to air which can showcase its characteristics both in aroma and in taste.