The phrase “tasting air heavy with huckleberries” is primarily connotative.
Denotation refers to the literal meaning of a word or phrase, while connotation involves the emotions, associations, or feelings that a word or phrase evokes beyond its literal meaning.
In this case, denotatively, the phrase describes a sensory experience involving air that smells or feels rich with the essence of huckleberries. However, connotatively, the phrase evokes a variety of sensations and feelings—such as nostalgia, warmth, or an idyllic natural setting—associated with the image of huckleberries. Huckleberries themselves may conjure thoughts of sweetness, summer, or forests, all of which add depth to the phrase and engage the reader's senses and emotions beyond just a straightforward description.
The use of “heavy” also suggests richness and abundance, enhancing the imagery further and contributing to a more vivid emotional experience. Overall, the phrase’s richness and vividness indicate a connotative meaning.