Varietal character or varietal typicity refers to all the aroma, taste and colour characteristics that are typical of a particular grape variety in a wine. However, this is becoming increasingly blurred in old wines. The aroma (primary aroma) is particularly characteristic of certain varieties. These are, for example, all varieties of Muscat(muscat tone) or Traminer(rose tone, spicy aromas).
The second group has a subtle but also characteristic aroma, such as Cabernet Sauvignon (blackcurrant or cassis), Müller-Thurgau (muscat flavour), Riesling (peaches, apricots) and Sauvignon Blanc (grassy). Some varieties are known as bouquet varieties due to certain flavouring substances.
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Egon Mark
Diplom-Sommelier, Weinakademiker und Weinberater, Volders (Österreich)