Designation for grape varieties that have a particularly distinctive floral to spicy, very typical aroma. The aromatic substances that are significant for these bouquet varieties are partly already present in the berries (primary aromas), or are formed during grape processing or during/after fermentation (secondary aromas). Although they are only present in very small quantities, they are very odour and taste-intensive and therefore relatively easy to identify even for non-professionals.
The typical aroma substances of these varieties are mainly terpenes (monoterpenes), methoxypyrazines (pyrazines) and thiols (mercaptans). Varieties characterised by terpenes (with 1 to 4 mg/l) are Muskateller varieties, Muskat-Ottonel, Morio-Muskat and Traminer (especially the Gewürztraminer variety) with primary and secondary aromas. These often have characteristic notes typical of the variety, namely musk tone, muscat tone and rose tone (flowers). Varieties characterised by pyrazines and thiols are, for example, Bacchus, Sauvignon Blanc and Scheurebe with secondary aromas.
![]()
There is a vast number of sources on the web where one can acquire knowledge about wine. But none has the scope, timeliness and accuracy of the information in the encyclopaedia at wein.plus. I use it regularly and rely on it.
Sigi Hiss
freier Autor und Weinberater (Fine, Vinum u.a.), Bad Krozingen