Wine Aroma Wheel The Wine Aroma Wheel is an incredible tool to learn about wines and enhance one’s ability to describe the complexity of flavor in red and white wines. Initially, most people can’t recognize or describe aromas so the purpose of the wheel is to provide terms to describe wine aromas. The wheel has very general terms located in the center (e.g. fruity or spicy), going to the most specific terms in the outer tier (such as strawberry or clove). These terms are NOT the only words that can be used to describe wines, but represent ones that are most often encountered. Easy to use and understand, it will enhance your whole wine experience.
Basic aroma and flavor descriptors of some of the major varietals • Chardonnay: Green apple, pear, melon; medium to full body; round and buttery or crisp and sharp, depending on winemaker’s style • Sauvignon Blanc: fresh grass aroma, herbal, vegetal, citrusy • Pinot Noir: Floral, red cherry, mushrooms, earthy; velvety texture • Merlot: Floral, blackberry, plum; soft, silky on palate • Zinfandel: Jammy, blackberry, black pepper • Cabernet Sauvignon: Blackcurrant, cassis, bell pepper, cedar, tobacco; dry on palate © Copyright 2017 “Nose, Legs, Body!” by Len Napolitano
© Copyright 2002 A C Noble www.winearomawheel.com 74
VERY NAPA VALLEY
SPRING/SUMMER 2017