041WINE columnist Lelethu Zondani answers one of the most asked reader questions…
Many of my readers ask me “Why is that wine has so many different flavours?” To tell you the truth, no flavourants are added to wine.
Flavours develop naturally depending on the cultivar, terroir (soil, climate, region), how the wine is made and whether the wine was matured/ oaked. Below I have listed some basic flavours that you would likely come across wine and hopefully, next time you indulge yourself with a glass of wine, you’re able to point them out in the nose and on the palate.
This is what makes wine fun and adds so much mystery to a bottle because you never know what surprises you’re going to get from it.
A basic flavour guide to tasting wine:
- FRUIT: Blackberries, Raspberries, Orange, Pineapple, Blueberries, Citrus, Grapefruit, Guava, Cherries, Lemon, Naartjie, Passion fruit, Cranberries, Lime, Apple, Strawberries, Pear, Tropical.
- FLORAL: Rose petal, Turkish delight, Violet, Orange blossom, Lily, Lavender, Geranium, Jasmine.
- HERBS & EARTHY: Minerality, Liquorice, Thyme, Leather, Freshly cut grass, Eucalyptus, Asparagus, Farmyard, Mint, Meat spice, Peas, Cigar box, Pepper, Cloves, Mushrooms.
- OAKED FLAVOURS: Vanilla, Spice, Honey, Smoky, Coffee, Butterscotch, Caramel, Bacon Kips.
I hope you use this guide next time you order a glass of wine and let me know what flavours you pick up.
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