What Are Aromas?

Apricot, biscuit, butter, fig, grass, hazelnut, leather, oak, pear, rose petal, tabacco, vanilla ... you may have heard or read these and similar words to describe the way a wine tastes. These terms are used to describe the aromas of wine.

What are aromas in wine? Aromas are chemical compounds that exist in the grape itself or that are created throughout the wine production process (fermentation and aging). 

When you taste or smell different styles of wine or variety of grapes, you may be reminded of different ingredients, fruits, or vegetables. Or even grilled or roasted meats, cakes and jams, dishes like curry. Do you know why?

Wine gathers all the scents of nature. It gathers aromas that are similar, if not identical, in their chemical composition to those found in fruits, herbs, spices, nuts, and even dairy products, baked goods, minerals. This is why a wine can smell like a fruit ... they share the same chemical compound.

A Symphony of Aromas

Where does wine get its aroma from? The perception of the aromas and flavors in wine is the result of a beautiful interaction between a large number of substances

Picture the aromas in wine as a symphony. Each instrument creates a unique sound and it is the ensemble of these sounds that result in a harmoniously complex music.

There are 3 types of aromas in wine, each with distinct origins, that contribute to creating the symphony of aromas in wine.

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