The term “bouquet” in the wine field refers to all the aromas and perfumes that a wine develops during its aging. But what does it mean exactly? Let’s discover it together in a journey through aromas and fragrances capable of telling a story.
WHAT IS “THE BOUQUET”?
The bouquet is the set of aromas that develop during the process of maturation and aging of wine. It is the result of complex chemical transformations that occur over time, influenced by factors such as the type of grape used, the terroir, the fermentation process, the type of cask, the aging time and the vinification techniques. Hence, the bouquet is not only an indicator of the quality of wine, but it also represents its history.

It can be distinguished as primary, secondary and tertiary. The primary bouquet comes from the grapes themselves, the secondary one develops during fermentation and aging, while the tertiary is the one which emerges with bottle ageing.
In other words, it is a symphony of scents that emerge as the wine evolves. Also, the exposure of wine to air through the oxidation process, can bring significant changes, often conferring characteristics of hazelnut, almond or leather aromas. The bouquet of a wine, therefore, is dynamic and can change over the years.

HOW IS IT PERCEIVED?
During the tasting, it is important to “oxygenate” the wine by making it swirl in the glass. This allows the release of volatile compounds responsible for perfumes, making the bouquet even more evident.
The most common aromatic descriptors include:
- Floral notes: rose, violet, chamomile.
- Fruity notes: cherry, peach, berries.
- Spicy notes: vanilla, cinnamon, pepper.
- Earthy notes: leather, tobacco, wood.
To better understand the richness and variety of the bouquet, we just need to take two of our most iconic wines. Both representing excellence and offering extraordinarily complex and intriguing bouquets.

San Domenico, Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG
A typical wine from Valtellina made with Nebbiolo grapes, the perfect example of a rich and charming bouquet. Sforzato San Domenico is distinguished by its notes of ripe fruits, such as plum and cherry, accompanied by delicate nuances of leather and cocoa, which emerge thanks to its particular production technique. A complex bouquet that expresses the strength and elegance of Valtellina.
Riserva La Madonnina, Chianti Classico DOCG
A masterpiece of Sangiovese, its bouquet is an explosion of aromas: black cherry, blackberry, violet and a touch of tobacco blend harmoniously with notes of vanilla and toasted wood. It is a wine that represents the balance between power and refinement, typical of great Tuscan wines.

And now it’s up to you: pour a glass of wine, bring it closer to your nose and let yourself be carried away by the scents.
