05/17/06 Aroma vs Bouquet

Welcome to Vine to Wine, I am your host Linda Moran. Are you confused about the difference between the terms aroma and bouquet when describing a wine? Well on today's program we will describe the differences between the two. Believe me you are not alone in being confused about the difference between aroma and bouquet when describing wine. Actually for years I didn't know if there was a difference. I simply thought that they were two words that could be used interchangeably to describe the smell of the wine. But there is a difference and it is actually a fairly simple one. First think of it this way aroma precedes bouquet in the winemaking process the same way "a" precedes "b" in the alphabet. Aroma's are the basic fragrances, those smells of the grapes and the grape juices and they may remind you of fruit, flowers, herbs or spices. While on the other hand bouquet is referring to the smells that come from the fruit in combination with the winemaking process. The yeast and fermentation along with oak, age and other contributors will help the juice smells to evolve into a state in which the smells are more complex and deeper or layered. Those are the smells identifying the bouquet. Now you know the difference between aroma and bouquet. Have fun with your wine education and remember to send your wine questions to Linda at vine to wine dot net and thanks for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.