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The sense of smell in the early human beings was a sense much more utilized than today. One of its uses was to recognize others (each person has a unique smell) and perhaps to understand mood, illness or other factors. This can be likened to when dogs smell each other to understand more about each other upon meeting. It is fascinating to look at how some gestures that we still use today in society probably have roots in our prehistory and had their own practical utility linked to our olfactory abilities, and not just a ceremonial function. For example, it...

The scent of strawberry in red wines can be that of the fresh fruit or an almost wild strawberry, or that of an overripe strawberry or a jam. It is a well-recognized aroma that recalls candy and sweets, and almost everyone can recognize it even if smelled blindly: it is one of the best identified of the berries. In wines, the strawberry aroma is present due to the fermentation process and is therefore considered a secondary aroma. This aroma can be found in many wines obtained from different grape varieties. Some grape varietal examples are Pinot Noir from the Alto Adige region and others, Gamay...

Syrah is a grape originally from France, but today it is also grown in Australia, South Africa, Argentina, California, Spain and other regions. It is a varietal that gives rise to wines with an intense red color, structured body and high alcohol content, which lends itself well to barrel refinement and aging. Syrah has an aromatic bouquet characterized by berries, but compared with other red varietals it has an unmistakable underlying aroma: black pepper. The aroma of black pepper is given by a molecule present in the skins of the grapes and can be perceived in many red wines. In Syrah it is...

Nebbiolo is a varietal grown mainly in Italy. It is the base of exceptional wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco, both produced exclusively with the Nebbiolo grape. It is a varietal that gives rise to wines with a not very intense color and a medium body, but with a high degree of tannins that make them ideal for aging. In fact, a Nebbiolo-based wine, if drunk young, can be quite "hard", as the astringency of the tannins prevails over the other sensations. The aromas are reminiscent of pepper, earth and unripe fruit. With the passage of time the wine softens,...

Cabernet Sauvignon is the most cultivated red grape in the world for its ease of cultivation and resistance. It is highly appreciated because it can express wines with full body and excellent aromatic potential. It is a grape variety that was created in Bordeaux in the 17th century from the crossing of Cabernet Franc with Sauvignon Blanc. Together with Merlot, it is the base of Bordeaux wines ("Bordeaux" blend). Depending on the region and the climate where it's cultivated, it can give rise to wines with very different aromas and characteristics. European Cabernets are generally full-bodied, tannic, with aromas that recall vegetable...