How smelling my backyard helped me understand Syrah

I often got confused by tasting notes like 'earthy' or 'mineral'. Last week, I had a glass of Syrah and it hit me, that smell was just like wet leaves after rain. I started thinking about scents I know from my garden or kitchen. Now, when I taste wine, I skip the fancy words and just ask myself what it reminds me of. It made tasting way more fun and less stressful. I even nailed the black pepper note in a Zinfandel by remembering the spice rack. Who knew it could be so easy?

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1 Comment

cole_patel1425m ago

Rhone Valley Syrah does have a black pepper thing going on. But linking wine smells to your garden feels like overthinking it. Tasting notes are already pretty vague without adding personal memories into the mix. Sure, if it makes drinking wine more fun for you, go ahead. I just don't get why people make such a big deal out of noticing basic smells. It's just fermented grape juice after all.