Chalk

Chalk is an example of a mineral aroma, but in reality the mineral aroma family that can be present in White Wines is very large. It includes wet stone (e.g., Vernaccia), flintstone (e.g., Poully-Fumé), kerosene (e.g., in mature Riesling), and volcanic/sulphuric rock (e.g., Etna Bianco).

The mineral scent in general identifies a category of penetrating aromas which recall bitter, brackish, sulphuric, or wet substances. Some believe that the specific type of mineral is related to the particular terrain in which the grapes are grown.

The chalk aroma can be detected in some wines produced from the Ribolla Gialla and Chardonnay varieties. 

Click here to discover White Wine Aromas.