Wine is a complex beverage with a wide range of flavours. Depending on the grape variety, climate, and winemaking techniques, wine can vary greatly in taste.
Whether you are sipping red, white or rosé wine, it is important to pay attention to the different flavours that you detect in order to get a full understanding of the wine’s flavour profile.
By becoming familiar with the six different flavour profiles, you will be better equipped to identify the specific flavours in a wine and to understand how those flavours contribute to the overall taste of the wine. Here are six common flavour profiles found in red and white wines:
Fruity
Fruity wines are made from grapes with high sugar content. They often have aromas and flavours of ripe fruits, such as berries, cherries, or plums. These wines can be light-bodied or full-bodied, dry or sweet. And while they are typically red wines, there are also some fruity white wines made from dessert grapes like Riesling and Gewürztraminer.
When choosing a fruity wine, look for one that has appealing fruit aromas and flavours. And be sure to check the label to see if the wine is dry or sweet, as this can affect your enjoyment of the wine. Whether you’re looking for a light summertime red or a rich and decadent dessert wine, fruity wines offer something for everyone. So don’t be afraid to give them a try.
Floral
The delicate aroma of flowers is often associated with gentle, refreshing breezes and sunny days spent outdoors. Surprisingly, these same fragrances can also be found in some wines. While most wine drinkers associate strong fruity aromas with red wines and citrusy scents with whites, a few varieties also have subtle floral notes.
For example, Riesling grapes are known for producing wines with delicate aromas of roses or violets. These light, refreshing scents are perfect for summer sipping, and pair well with lighter fare such as salads and seafood. So next time you’re in the mood for a sunshine-filled afternoon picnic, be sure to include a bottle of Riesling on your shopping list.
Spicy
Wines made from Syrah or Zinfandel grapes often have spice notes, such as black pepper or cloves. Oak ageing can also add spicy flavours to the wine. For example, a wine that has been aged in new oak barrels will often have pronounced vanilla and coconut aromas, while a wine that has been aged in older barrels will take on more savoury characteristics, such as smoked meat or leather.
In general, wines with higher alcohol levels are also more likely to taste spicy. This is because alcohol molecules have a similar structure to the molecules that give chilli peppers their heat. As a result, when you drink a high-alcohol wine, you may experience a burning sensation in your mouth or throat.
However, not all spices are created equal. Some, such as black pepper, can actually enhance the flavour of wine, while others, such as cumin, can quickly overwhelm it. As a result, it’s important to be judicious when selecting spices for your next glass of wine.
Smoky
Wines that are described as smoky often have aromas and flavours reminiscent of bacon, cigars, or even ashes. This type of flavour is most commonly found in wines from cooler climates or those that have been aged in oak barrels. In general, smoky wines tend to be full-bodied and have high levels of tannins.
When pairing a smoky wine with food, it is important to consider the other flavours present in the dish. For example, a wine with hints of bacon would pair well with a grilled steak or roasted potatoes. A wine with strong cigar smoke flavours might be best enjoyed on its own or with a simple cheese plate. Knowing how to identify and enjoy smoky wines can add an extra dimension of flavour to your next meal.
Herbal
Herbal wines are made from grapes that have been grown in conditions that promote the development of grassy, hay-like, or green bell pepper aromas and flavours. The most common varietals used for herbal wines are Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.
These grapes are well suited to the production of herbal wines because they have high levels of certain compounds that contribute to the development of these desired characteristics. Crusher loading, yeast strain, fermentation temperature, and contact time with grape skins are all important variables that can influence the final aromatic and flavour profile of a wine.
Winemakers must carefully monitor each of these factors in order to produce a balanced and successful herbal wine.
Mineral
When it comes to wine, there are two main types: red and white. Red wines tend to be full-bodied, with more tannins and higher alcohol levels. White wines, on the other hand, are generally lighter in body and alcohol levels, and often have fruity or floral flavours. One of the things that can affect a wine’s flavour is the type of soil in which the grapes were grown.
Many white wines, for example, have mineral flavours such as slate or flint. This is because the grapes were grown in soils with high mineral content. So when you’re choosing a wine, keep in mind that the type of soil can influence the flavour.
While there are many different types of wine available, these six flavour profiles provide a broad overview of the most common tastes. By becoming familiar with the six different flavour profiles, you will be better equipped to identify the specific flavours in a wine and to understand how those flavours contribute to the overall taste of the wine.