While all wines have aroma — that’s why we smell them, after all — the term “aromatic wine” is used when describing and labeling a group of white wines that are known for their dominant floral nose. These are called “aromatic whites.”
Aromatic white wines have a dominant floral aroma due to a higher-than-normal amount of the compound class known as terpenes, specifically monoterpenes, which is found inside their grapes. It’s this compound that produces aromas of rose petals, orange blossoms, honeysuckle, and more. Some of the most famous aromatic white wines include Riesling, Albariño, Torrontes, Gewürztraminer, and Vidal Blanc.
When it comes to serving aromatic whites, these wines should be served chilled, and they will continue to release more and more aroma as they begin to warm.
