The term "volatile" refers to the tendency of a substance to change into the gaseous state. This is caused by comparatively weak intermolecular forces of attraction between the molecules. The opposite term is non-volatile, which refers to substances that cannot change into the gas phase due to stronger molecular forces. You never perceive the substance itself; perceived odours come exclusively from volatile molecules such as accompanying substances, impurities or reaction products.
All fragrances in wine are volatile aromatic substances, as they can only be perceived olfactorily(smelling) or trigeminally(sense of touch) in vaporised form. However, the boundary to taste sensations is blurred, as olfactory and gustatory (tasting) impressions strongly influence each other. Volatility is therefore initially a neutral, physical term and not an indication of good or bad quality.
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