Nose
Nose
The “nose” in wine refers to the aroma, scent or bouquet it gives off before tasting. It is categorized into primary (fruit, flowers, spices), secondary ( from winemaking processes like fermentation) and tertiary aromas ( due to aging). The nose helps to detect potential flaws and identify the wine’s character. To evaluate the nose, experts swirl the wine to release hidden aromas, then take short or long sniffs to identify the scents that are present.
See Also
Flavonoids
Flavonoids are natural polyphenolic compounds gotten from grape skins, stems and seeds. They are found in high concentrations in red wine.
Herbaceous
"Herbaceous" describes the aromas and flavors of fresh green herbs, grass, or vegetables like bell pepper, mint and thyme in a wine.
Tartaric Acid
Tartaric acid is the primary natural acid in grapes and wine, essential for providing a refreshing, sharp and crisp taste. Unlike other wine acids, it remains stable during fermentation, determining the wine's pH and protecting it against bacteria.
Umami
Umami, which means "savory or delicious taste" in Japanese, is the "fifth taste" that adds complexity, richness and length to a wine's finish. It develops through glutamate and amino acids from late harvest grapes or lees aging and it enhances the other flavors.
Palate
The palate refers to the overall physical sensation and taste profile of wine once it is in your mouth. It includes the texture, body, acidity, tannic structure and flavors from inital taste to the finish.
Floral
The term "floral" is used to describe the delicate, perfumed and aromatic notes that smell like white and yellow flowers, arising naturally from specific grape varieties, not additives.
Finish
A wine's "finish" is the lasting impression it leaves on your palate after swallowing or spitting it out. It is a key indicator of quality, often described by its length, which can be short, medium or long and its flavor profile.
Body
A wine's body is its weight, texture and overall mouthfeel which is determined by a combination of alcohol content, tannins, sugar and extract. A wine may be light, medium or full bodied.