Many Chardonnays go through “malolactic fermentation” (sometimes called MLF or “Malo”) which converts tart Malic acid (the kind you find in green apples) to Lactic Acid (the acid found in Milk). Depending on the percentage of the wine that goes through MLF, the more or less buttery taste you get. You also get a fuller mouth feel with more MLF.

.“Body” in wine is the weight of the wine in your mouth. A full-bodied wine has a heavier mouth feel and light bodied wine has a lighter mouth feel. Think of a light bodied wine as skim milk and a full-bodied wine as whole milk.

Also called “tears” these streaks are primarily caused by the physics involved in the evaporation of water and alcohol with wines that are higher in alcohol having more prominent legs or tears. Legs or tears are not an indication of quality.