Aromas and Tastes of White Vinifera Wines

In temperate climates, Chardonnay loses some of its acidity and aromas go more toward melon and tropical fruit tastes as the grapes get somewhat riper than in cool climates.

Many white wines grown in cool climates have apple flavors but Sauvignon Blanc is not one of them. It always has at least a hint of classic gooseberry or sometimes “Cat’s pee” tanginess.

From a cool climate or in a cool vintage year, Riesling will usually have only a pure apple taste which gives way to peaches and pineapple when grown in a warm climate.

The aromas of almonds and nuts in Pinot Grigio come out when grown in a warm climate. Tangy, citrus notes are unusual in Pinot Grigio unless the grape is harvested before ripeness.

Cool climate or a cool vintage year Viognier is aromatic but not as much as Viognier grown in temperate or warmer climates. Also it takes warmer climates to bring out orange, tangerine and citrus aromas in the wine.

Grape aromas and flavors are mostly associated with Muscat, Moscato and Muscadine grapes or their hybrids. Almond and nut flavors favor Pinot Gris/Grigio.

Hebaceous and grassy flavors are more often associated with Sauvignon Blanc wines. Melon, mango and fig aromas can be associated with Chardonnay wines but mainly ones grown in warm climates such as some in California or Australia.

Sauvignon Blanc’s firm acidity is almost always preserved even when grown in warm climates. The flavors and aromas, however, graduate from herbal and grassy to softer and fuller, melon, grapefruit and kiwi.

From a cool climate, Riesling will usually have only a pure apple taste which gives way to peaches and pineapple when grown in a warm climate.

Almonds and nuts suggests Pinot Gris/Grigio. Grape aromas suggest Muscat, Moscato or Muscadine grapes.

Chenin Blanc is a high acid wine and it only tastes honeyed when it is aged and made off-dry as it might be in the Loire Valley.

Almost any wines made from warm climate grapes will have lower acidity and higher sugars which result in higher alcohol levels. Citrus aromas and tastes found in cool climates disappear from warm climate grape wines.

Warmer climates bring out more flowery notes in Pinot Gris/Grigio.

Honeyed and exotic fruit aroma are more consistent with aged wines such a Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley. Floral aromas are characteristic of most Muscat grapes which produce a low acid wine.

Similar to a Viognier in its floral components but it is more citrusy, acidic and lighter in body.

One of the most floral and spicy grapes, the wine almost smells like a face cream. It tends to be full bodied and have low acidity even if it is not finished with residual sugar.

The term bracing refers to high acidity.

The lack of a mention of high acidity and the mention of creaminess are the keys.

The vegetal, grassy and gooseberry flavors are keys.

The anise and fennel aromas are against two of these

Chenin Blanc is usually a high acid wine with green apple and citrus pith flavors when young. However it can taste honeyed when it is aged for 4 or 5 years or more and made off-dry as it might be in the Loire Valley.

The apple and clover aroma identifies this as a chardonnay while the mineral/flinty taste alerts you to the locale and the honeyed taste indicates the age.