What is Aromatic Wine? (10 Best Bottles, Grape Varieties)

While all wines have their unique aroma and flavor profile, some have unusually enhanced fragrance notes. These wines go under the category of ‘aromatic wine’, which includes mostly white and a few red wines. 

Let’s explore all about aromatic wine, including popular aromatic wine grape varieties and must-try food pairings. We’ll also reveal the 10 best aromatic wines to buy in 2022.

How are Aromatic Wines Made?

Most aromatic wine styles have intense floral aromas resulting from unique aromatic compounds found in white wine grapes.

These aromatic compounds are called monoterpenes (a subgroup of terpenes.)

Terpenes and monoterpenes are found in many aromatic plants and flowers like roses, geranium, pine, lavender, and more. The monoterpenes compound produces the rich, distinct aromas of orange blossom, rose petals, and honeysuckle in whites.

The aromatic qualities of the grape varietals can also be enhanced during vinification:

• Native yeasts: The use of native yeast during the fermentation process is standard practice, but it’s crucial in the making of aromatic wines. That’s because the native yeasts release esters, which naturally enhance the wine aroma.

• Cool temperature fermentation: The cool temperatures help preserve the aromas’ freshness and unlock even more aromatics.
• Avoid malolactic fermentation: Malolactic fermentation can decrease the acidity and dull the aroma notes, so it’s usually avoided in the making of aromatic wines.
• Avoid oak barrel aging: Ensuring the juice doesn’t come into contact with oak is essential since the oak flavors can mask the floral scents. 

Fun Fact: While aromatic wines are mainly white, there are a few aromatic red wine styles like Pinot Noir, Freisa, Aleatico, Schiava, and Italian Brachetto.

Popular Aromatic Wine Grape Varieties & Wine Flavor Profiles 

Let’s explore the different aromatic grapes:

1. Riesling

2. Sauvignon Blanc

3. Gewürztraminer

4. Muscat

5. Viognier

6. Pinot Gris

7. Torrontes

1. Riesling

The Riesling grape variety produces delicate and complex wine, ranging from sweet to bone-dry. 

Riesling wine profile:

• Riesling wine aroma notes: Honey, green apple, and lime
• Riesling wine flavor notes: Apricot and nectarine fruit flavors
• Main production regions: Germany, Alsace, Australia 

2. Sauvignon Blanc

The Sauvignon Blanc grape is a popular varietal that produces crisp and refreshing white wine styles with opulent aromas.

Sauvignon Blanc wine profile:

• Sauvignon Blanc wine aroma notes: Gooseberry, lemongrass, and basil
• Sauvignon Blanc wine flavor notes: Gooseberry, citrus, and herbs 
• Main production regions: Globally, particularly in Marlborough (New Zealand), and Loire and Bordeaux (France)

3. Gewürztraminer

The Gewürztraminer grape varietal produces aromatic white wine styles with high alcohol content (about 14%) and low acidity levels. 

Gewürztraminer wine profile:

• Gewürztraminer wine aroma notes: Lychee, pink grapefruit, rose, and tangerine
• Gewürztraminer wine flavor notes: Grapefruit and ginger 
• Main production regions: Germany, Chile, and France

4. Muscat

The Muscat grape produces a few wine styles, including the aromatic Muscat Blanc wine. It’s delicate and grapy and can range from bone-dry to juicy and sweet. 

Muscat wine profile:

• Muscat wine aroma notes: Grape, grapefruit, orange blossom, and honeysuckle
• Muscat wine flavor notes: Mandarin and lemon
• Main production regions: Alsace (France) and Mediterranean countries like Greece, Spain, and Italy

5. Viognier

Viognier is an aromatic varietal that produces a rich and delicious dry white wine style with heady scents.

Viognier wine profile:

• Viognier wine aroma notes: Pine, thyme, chamomile, and lavender
• Viognier wine flavor notes: Tangerine, honeysuckle, and peach
• Main production regions: Rhone (Southern France), Australia, and the USA

6. Pinot Gris

The Pinot Gris grape variety produces a wine style famous for its refreshing, creamy, and acidic qualities.  

Pinot Gris wine profile:

• Pinot Gris wine aroma notes: White nectarine, green apple, lemon, and lime fruit
• Pinot Gris wine flavor notes: Spice and honey
• Main production regions: New Zealand and France

7. Torrontes

The Torrontes grape variety produces a wine style very similar to Muscat and Gewurztraminer. The wine is dry, fresh, and moderately acidic with a smooth texture. 

Torrontes wine profile:

• Torrontes wine aroma notes: Peach, rose petal, and geraniums
• Torrontes wine flavor notes: Lemon zest and white peach
• Main production regions: Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay

Now let’s discover the best aromatic whites you must try!

The 10 Best Aromatic Wine Bottles To Buy in 2022

Here are the aromatic wines to try this year:

1. 2018 Weingut Keller Schubertslay Alte Reben Kabinett, Mosel, Germany ($779)

2. 2019 Egon Muller Scharzhofberger Riesling Kabinett, Mosel, Germany ($176)

3. 2009 F E Trimbach Gewurztraminer, Alsace, France ($46)

4. 2018 SIP Moscato, California, USA ($19)

5. 2017 Vietti Cascinetta, Moscato d'Asti DOCG, Italy ($14)

6. 2018 Tablas Creek Vineyards Cotes de Tablas Blanc, Paso Robles, USA ($32)

7. 2018 Dominio del Plata 'Crios' de Susana Balbo Torrontes, Cafayate, Argentina ($14)

8. 2017 The Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Gris, Dundee Hills, USA ($34)

9. 2003 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Kabinett, Mosel, Germany ($43)

10. 2016 M. Chapoutier 'La Combe Pilate' Blanc, IGP Collines Rhodaniennes, France ($24)

1. 2018 Weingut Keller Schubertslay Alte Reben Kabinett, Mosel, Germany ($779)

This aromatic white wine has honey, yellow fruit, and lemon tart aroma notes. The palate has a pleasant sweetness and great length.

2. 2019 Egon Muller Scharzhofberger Riesling Kabinett, Mosel, Germany ($176)

Here is a wine with mint, pear, gooseberry fruit, and citrus aroma notes accompanied by chalky mineral flavours and hints of acidity.

3. 2009 F E Trimbach Gewurztraminer, Alsace, France ($46)

This aromatic white wine has tropical fruit, citrus, and floral aromas. The palate is crisp with peach and apple flavours. 

4. 2018 SIP Moscato, California, USA ($19)

Here we have a wine with tropical fruit and orange blossom aroma notes accompanied by sweet citrus flavors and bright acidity. 

5. 2017 Vietti Cascinetta, Moscato d'Asti DOCG, Italy ($14)

This aromatic white wine has ginger spice, yellow fruit, and floral aromas. The palate features citrus and sweet apricot flavor notes and good acidity.

6. 2018 Tablas Creek Vineyards Cotes de Tablas Blanc, Paso Robles, USA ($32)

This delicious wine has a nose of stone fruit, lemon, spice, and floral aromatics. Fantastic structure, good minerality, and an elegant finish round off this wine.

7. 2018 Dominio del Plata 'Crios' de Susana Balbo Torrontes, Cafayate, Argentina ($14)

Here is a vibrant wine with exotic fruit, lemon peel, and floral aroma hints accompanied by pears and zesty citrus flavours. 

8. 2017 The Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Gris, Dundee Hills, USA ($34)

This refreshing Pinot Gris wine has citrus, pear, and spring green aroma notes. The palate has a lingering finish with fennel and pome fruit notes.

9. 2003 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Kabinett, Mosel, Germany ($43)

Here we have a delicious aromatic white wine with orange blossom, jasmine, white peach, and wet stone scents. Vibrant acidity, ripe fruit, and honey flavor notes round off the palate.

10. 2016 M. Chapoutier 'La Combe Pilate' Blanc, IGP Collines Rhodaniennes, France ($24)

This 100% Viognier wine has an incredible nose of honeysuckle, orange blossom, anise spice, and ripe peach hints. The palate is fresh and fruity with bright acidity.

Food Pairing and Serving Suggestions For Aromatic Wine

Aromatic white wines enhance the flavors of various dishes like:

• Asian food: Creamy Thai curry, beef rendang, ramen, and dim sum
• Cheese: Soft cheese like goat, gorgonzola, camembert, brie, and ricotta
• Seafood: Ceviche, prawn and chili pasta, scallops, and oysters
• Vegetables: Fresh vegetables, dry olives, and butter-fried asparagus
• Meats: Rich pork stew, chicken tagine, and tangy barbeque

Serve your favorite aromatic wine slightly chilled in a wide-bowled wine glass. If you have a higher-quality white wine, serve it slightly warmer to bringout all its delicate aromas. 

Ready to Sip on a Glass of Enchanting Aromatic Wine?

The next time you feel like getting a drink, simply pick an aromatic white wine and explore all its subtle and layered aroma nuances!  

Aromatic wines are also ideal for summer parties and picnics, especially if you prefer fruitier and sweeter wine styles.

However, if you want to build a fine wine collection instead, check out Vinovest — a wine investment company geared towards helping you source, store, and sell collectible wine labels.