Lighter-bodied wines will be lighter in color (e.g., a Sauvignon Blanc is lighter than a Chardonnay, and a Pinot Noir is lighter than a Cabernet Sauvignon). Raise the glass in front of a white background (such as a dinner napkin), and tilt the wine away from you, noticing the color near the rim. Check for both color and clarity. A wine that has a brownish tinge is probably oxidized, and should be avoided.
