Short definition
How long a wine's flavors persist on your palate after swallowing, measured in seconds.
Count the seconds after you swallow. Under five seconds is short. Ten to fifteen is good. Over twenty is exceptional — and rare outside serious bottles. Great Riesling, aged Barolo, or vintage Champagne can linger for a minute. Short length is not always bad in casual wines, but when you are spending serious money, you want the flavor to stick around.