You’ve probably noticed those streaks that form on the inside of your wine glass when you swirl it – these are known as ‘wine legs’ or ‘tears’. While they’re visually appealing, they also provide insights into your wine. Contrary to popular belief, legs aren’t indicative of a wine’s quality, but rather its alcohol content. Wines with higher alcohol content will have more pronounced, slower-moving legs due to the Marangoni effect. This occurs because alcohol evaporates faster than water, creating a surface tension that pulls the liquid up the sides of the glass. So next time you see those mesmerizing streaks, remember – you’re witnessing fluid dynamics in action!