What distinctive sensory characteristic might indicate a wine has high acidity?

A watering sensation in the mouth is indicative of high acidity in a wine. When a wine has high acidity, it stimulates the salivary glands, leading to a refreshing and zesty feeling on the palate. This sensation often results in a crisp and lively taste experience, which is characteristic of many white wines, sparkling wines, and some lighter red wines.

While sweetness could contribute to a perceived balance in a wine, it doesn’t indicate acidity levels. Heaviness on the palate suggests a fuller-bodied wine, which is often associated with lower acidity. A smooth finish generally indicates a well-integrated wine with softer tannins or lower acidity, rather than a wine with high acidity. Thus, the watering sensation in the mouth is a clear and direct sensory cue for identifying wines with high acidity.