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Recognize wine aromas!
That's what matters!
The idea that wine from one grape always tastes the same has long been disproved. But how do I recognize wine aromas and what taste differences are there? We provide information.
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Reading time approx. 2 min
That’s why wine tastes so different
The aromas of a wine are very complex. This is not just a written phrase, it is true. One might think that ultimately all wines are made from grapes and that the differences should therefore not be too great. But this idea is misleading.
Although the grape variety does indeed determine a large part of the taste, the climate, the soil, the maturation, the storage and the fermentation process of the wine also influence the aromas. This is why wines of the same variety from different regions can taste completely different. No two wines are the same.
How can the aromas of a wine be determined?
The aromas of a wine can rarely be determined in advance - this is what makes tasting it interesting. Nevertheless, there are typical flavors that appear again and again. These are recorded on the so-called "aroma wheel", which varies depending on the country of origin ( available here on Amazon ). It helps to determine the aromas of the wine precisely.
The procedure is as follows: First, you choose the basic flavor from seven categories (fruity, smoky, spicy, floral...) and then refine the selection using the subcategories. It's not just about the taste itself, but also the smell. After all, the smells contribute a large part to the enjoyment. In this way, precise aromas can be identified even for complex wines.
Unfolding wine aromas:
In order to fully appreciate the aromas of a wine, it should be aerated before drinking. For most wines, it is sufficient to swirl them briefly and vigorously in the wine glass. This allows air to reach the wine, allowing all the nuances of the aromas to fully develop. Also make sure that the glass is clean and that no residue has formed that could spoil the enjoyment of the wine.
What are typical aromas for wines?
Depending on the wine, its origin and its variety, you will always come across typical wine aromas and flavours. The most important ones are the sweetness, acidity and bitter notes, which are influenced by the tannins. You will notice these characteristics again and again and they also determine whether you like a wine or not.
In addition, certain aromas can be generalized depending on the grape variety:
Typical aromas in red wines
- Cabernet Sauvignon – fruity note through aromas of blackcurrant
- Merlot – aromas of plums and cherries
- Syrah – aromas of blackberry, black pepper and violet
- Pinot Noir – aromas of red berries
- Sangiovese – aromas of black cherry, vanilla and sour cherry
- Tempranillo – aromas of blackberries, liquorice and cherry
Typical aromas in white wines
- Riesling – aromas of peach, stone fruit and citrus fruits
- Chardonnay – aromas of nuts, melon and often exotic fruits
- Sauvignon Blanc – aromas of citrus fruits, nettles and hay
- Pinot Gris – aromas of pear and dried fruits
- Pinot Blanc – Nutty aromas of almond, apricot and caramel
- Roter Veltliner – aromas of oranges, tangerines and apples
Summary
- Wine can taste very different. This is not only due to the different grape vines, but also to the climate, the soil, the maturation, the storage and the fermentation process of the wine.
- Typical aromas include acidity, sweetness and bitterness. These are found in varying degrees in every wine and determine whether we like the wine or not.
- In addition, certain aromas can be generalized depending on the grape variety.
- To make it easier to classify the aromas, there is the so-called “aroma wheel”, which provides a detailed classification of the individual wine aromas.
Then we can get started!
You now know how to recognize the aromas of a wine. Now it's your turn: Do you want to try different wines? Then check out one of our wine tastings . You have the opportunity to test the aromas of different grape varieties. This is not only quite interesting, but also a real experience.
Keep it up!
You have already read 6 of 13 articles on the topic of wine. Now take a look at the next article to complete your basic knowledge!
Or go to Wine Course Part I to get an overview of all topics!