What is the purpose of the "nose" in wine tasting?

The purpose of the "nose" in wine tasting is to assess the aromas and bouquet of the wine. This is a critical aspect of the tasting experience because the scents released by the wine provide essential information about its character and quality. The nose can reveal a variety of aromatic compounds that contribute to the wine's profile, indicating the grape variety used, the region it comes from, and even the winemaking techniques employed.

When evaluating the nose, tasters often look for fruit notes, floral hints, earthy undertones, and other aromatic nuances. These sniffed scents can greatly enhance the overall enjoyment and understanding of a wine, making the olfactory assessment an integral part of any professional or amateur tasting routine. This sensory evaluation is considered just as important as tasting the wine.