Floral wine : grape varieties, typical aromas and successful pairings
You may have already heard this during a tasting: "This wine is very floral." But what do we really mean by that? And above all, what are these wines that smell like a bouquet, from nose to finish?
At Vinodelice, we love these cuvées that smell of orange blossom, jasmine, hawthorn or rose. They have something evanescent, poetic... and sometimes even very serious when it comes to great appellations! Here's everything you need to know about floral wine.
What exactly is a floral wine?
A floral wine is a wine whose nose and sometimes mouth recall fresh flowers : rose, violet, linden, orange blossom, acacia, honeysuckle or peony. These aromas are not added: they come from natural compounds in the grape (or from fermentation).
Floral wines are often:
- dry or sweet whites (Gewurztraminer, Muscat, Torrontés...)
- light and fruity reds, sometimes a bit crisp (Gamay, Pinot Noir)
- fragrant rosés, very pleasant for aperitifs or on the terrace
- orange wines, based on macerated aromatic grape varieties
- Blanc de Blancs champagnes, elegant and full of floral finesse
Typology of floral aromas in wine
| Flower | Associated Grape Varieties | Types of Wines |
|---|---|---|
| Rose | Gewurztraminer, Torrontés | Aromatic white, orange |
| Violet | Syrah, Gamay, Cabernet Franc | Expressive red |
| Peony | Pinot Noir, Gamay | Delicate and elegant red |
| Honeysuckle | Riesling, Ripe Chardonnay | Dry or sparkling white |
| Linden (Lime blossom) | Chenin Blanc, Riesling | Dry to off-dry white |
| Jasmine | Viognier, Muscat, Torrontés | Exotic or orange white |
| Orange blossom | Muscat, Viognier, Torrontés | Perfumed, sweet, or orange white |
| Acacia / Hawthorn | Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin, Chardonnay | Dry white / Blanc de Blancs Champagne |
Why do some wines smell like flowers?
Floral aromas come from natural molecules present in grape skin: terpenes, esters, thiols... These compounds develop or transform during fermentation, and are amplified by certain so-called "aromatic" grape varieties. Climate, soil and winemaking also play a key role in their expression.
Not just a grape variety story: other factors influence floral aromas
Here's what you need to know:
-
The grape variety: factor no. 1
Some varieties are naturally more aromatic. They are even called “aromatic grape varieties”: Gewurztraminer, Muscat, Torrontés…They contain more free terpenes in the grape skins, which are responsible for floral aromas. -
Fermentation and yeasts
Selected (or indigenous) yeasts can transform certain grape compounds into floral esters. Some vinifications, especially with non-Saccharomyces yeasts, promote more expressive floral profiles. -
The terroir and the climate
A cool to moderate climate promotes the slow ripening of grapes, which helps preserve primary aromas, including floral aromas. Certain soils (clay-limestone, granitic) also influence floral expression through their ability to regulate water and temperature. -
Gentle winemaking
Gentle (or brief) maceration for whites and rosés, or slow pressing, limits excessive extraction and helps preserve delicate floral aromas. -
Aging in stainless steel tanks or amphorae
These non-aromatic vessels (vs. wood) help maintain floral purity. That’s why many floral wines never see an oak barrel.
Some emblematic floral wines
Certain styles have become essential references for floral wine lovers:
- Gewurztraminer, with its bewitching notes of rose and jasmine.
- German or Australian Riesling, lively and tense, marked by linden or honeysuckle.
- Argentine Torrontés, floral, charming, often featuring white flowers or orange blossom.
- Viognier, whether from Condrieu, Languedoc or South Africa, often offers aromas of jasmine and apricot blossoms.
- Burgundian Pinot Noir, fine and delicate, sometimes evoking peony or dried rose.
- Beaujolais Gamay, very expressive, often marked by violet or peony.
- Provence Rosé, delicately floral, with nuances of white flowers and pink-fleshed fruits.
- And of course, Champagne Blanc de Blancs, elegant and refined, with aromas of acacia and honeysuckle.
Our selection of floral wines
Want to taste these wonders? Here are some favorite floral cuvées from our collection:
- Champagne Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blancs NV: generous, complex, with aromas of peach, candied citrus, honeysuckle and linden.
- Georges Duboeuf Fleurie, Cuvée Tradition 2020: floral nose (violet), red berries, supple texture and fresh finish.
- Viñas en Flor The Llama Torrontés 2023: floral and fruity, perfect for Asian or vegetarian dishes.
- Domaine Sainte-Marie, Cuvée Paparazzi Rosé 2023: organic, with notes of white flowers, citrus and exotic fruits. Perfect with scallop carpaccio or tuna mi-cuit.
What to serve with a floral wine?
Floral wines call for freshness, finesse, delicacy in pairings:
- Asian cuisine (sushi, Thai dishes with coconut milk, vegetarian spring rolls)
- Sweet and savory dishes (lacquered duck, tagine with apricots, pork with pineapple)
- Mild spicy dishes: (Indian curry, pad thai, tagine with preserved lemon)
- Mild cheeses (brie, mozzarella, fresh tomme)
- Fruity desserts (peach tart, panna cotta with red fruits, lemon shortbread) It's also the perfect wine for a poetic aperitif or a summer evening.
Some food and wine pairing suggestions:
- Gewurztraminer: vegetarian Indian curry, pear and almond tart
- Viognier: tagine with preserved lemon, salmon with citrus
- Torrontés: sea bream ceviche, spring rolls
- Riesling: shrimp pad thai, truffle brie
- Floral Gamay or Pinot Noir: tuna tataki, poultry with mushrooms
- Champagne Blanc de Blancs: scallop carpaccio, grilled langoustines
And now?
At Vinodelice, we love introducing you to these subtle, joyful and expressive wines. Browse our selection of floral white, red or rosé wines, and let yourself be surprised by the floral beauty of a good wine.
