Beaujolais wine is known for its light, fruity flavor profile and is best enjoyed young, within a year or two of its vintage. However, aged Beaujolais wine can also hold a surprising flavor note that adds complexity and depth to the wine.
In this blog post, we will be exploring the surprising flavor note found in aged Beaujolais wine and what causes it.
What is Beaujolais wine?
Beaujolais wine is a red wine made from the Gamay grape, which grows in the Beaujolais region in eastern France. The wine is known for its light and fruity taste, low tannins, and high acidity. Beaujolais wine is typically best consumed young as it is not built for aging and can lose its flavor and aroma over time.
Aged Beaujolais wine
However, some Beaujolais wines are made with the intention of aging, such as certain Cru Beaujolais wines. These wines can be aged for several years and can develop complex flavors and aromas.
The aging process alters the wine’s chemistry, resulting in a transformation of its flavor profile. Through the aging process, the wine’s tannins become softer, and it develops deeper and more complex flavors.
The surprising flavor note found in aged Beaujolais wine
The surprising flavor note found in aged Beaujolais wine is none other than the taste of bananas! Yes, you heard that right. Aged Beaujolais wine can have a distinct banana flavor note that adds depth and complexity to the wine.
But where does this banana flavor come from?
The banana flavor in aged Beaujolais wine is the result of a compound known as isoamyl acetate, which is naturally present in the wine. Isoamyl acetate is an ester that is formed during the fermentation process and is responsible for producing various fruity aromas and flavors in wine.
In addition to bananas, isoamyl acetate can also produce other fruit flavors such as pear, apple, and pineapple.
Isoamyl acetate levels increase during aging
Isoamyl acetate levels in Beaujolais wine increase during the aging process. The longer the wine is aged, the higher the levels of isoamyl acetate present in the wine. This increase in isoamyl acetate levels is what creates the distinct banana flavor note found in aged Beaujolais wine.
However, it is important to note that not all aged Beaujolais wines will have a banana flavor note, and the intensity of the flavor may vary depending on the wine’s specific aging process and other factors.
What other flavors can be found in aged Beaujolais wine?
Aside from the banana flavor note, aged Beaujolais wine can also have other flavors and aromas that develop over time. Some of the most common flavors and aromas found in aged Beaujolais wine include:
– Leather: as the wine ages, it can develop a leather aroma and flavor note. This is due to the wine’s tannins reacting with oxygen and breaking down over time.
– Earthy notes: aged Beaujolais wines can have earthy aromas and flavor notes, such as mushroom or truffle. These flavors develop as the wine ages and interacts with the soil and environment it was grown in.
– Spice: Beaujolais wines can develop spicy notes, such as cinnamon and allspice, as they age.
– Floral notes: Beaujolais wines can have floral aromas and flavor notes that develop over time. These notes can range from violets to roses to lavender, depending on the wine’s aging process and other factors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, aged Beaujolais wine can hold a surprising banana flavor note that adds complexity and depth to the wine. This flavor note comes from isoamyl acetate, a compound naturally present in the wine that increases in concentration during the aging process.
Other flavors and aromas found in aged Beaujolais wine include leather, earthy notes, spice, and floral notes. These flavors and aromas develop as the wine interacts with the environment it was grown in and changes chemically over time.
If you have not yet tried aged Beaujolais wine, we highly recommend giving it a try and experiencing the complex and surprising flavor notes that it has to offer!
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