Updated Aromatic Profile Tables For Major Grape Varieties....

For anyone who needs to taste wine blind in the context of an exam, the incredible diversity of grape varieties can be daunting. Thankfully, most exams evaluate abilities to identify major grapes, also called "noble". They are the "classics" students of wine and all wine lovers should know.

As I am preparing for a major exam myself, I have reviewed my original aromatic profile tables to focus on the majors.

Along with various aromatics possible for each grapes, the original tables also included acidity, body, and tannins (for red). In this updated version, I have included color, aromatic character, and style. Three characteristics which, along with structure can help in building "a case" for one gape or another. The tables below, are also helpful to identify quickly and compare and contrast "laterals".

To build them, i used the following ressources:

- Nez Du Vin (for aromatics on the top row);
- "Oz Clarke's Grapes & Wines";
- Pierre Galet's "Grape Varieties";
- Fiona Beckett's "Wine By Style"
- Benjamin Lewin's "Wine Myths & Realities";
- R.J. Clarke's "Wine: Flavour Chemistry";
- Jancis Robinson's "Guide To Grape Varieties";
- Pierre Casamayor's "Les Grands Cépages";
- Pierre Casamayor's "Arômes Du Vin".

and indispensable was also Delong's Grape Varietal Table.

The updated tables can be downloaded here: for white grapes, and for red grapes (pdf). They list the classics and I have added some extra grapes that I think will become fashionable in the next few years.

I hope you find them helpful.

Of course, i do not claim to be god and have the infused knowledge. Obviously, for each wine that represents a classic style, there is an exception. If you have any comments or questions, please do not hesitate to let me know by email: jcviens[[at]]grandepassione.com.