The Scent of Wine: A Sensory Journey at Montemaggio

Imagine standing in the heart of the Chianti Classico region. In front of you, a glass of ruby red wine. The golden Tuscan sunlight filters through the vines, and the only sound around you is the whisper of the wind. You lift your glass, bring it gently to your nose… and your journey begins.

Because wine is not tasted with the mouth.

It begins with the nose.

Why Does Wine Have a Scent?

At Montemaggio, every wine tasting starts not with a sip, but with a breath. That’s because wine tells its story through its aroma – long before you taste it. But what exactly are you smelling when you raise a glass to your nose?

Wine aromas come from three worlds:

• The grape itself: Every grape variety carries its own signature scent. Sangiovese, for instance, loves to whisper notes of cherry and violet.

• Fermentation: During this quiet process in the cellar, yeasts work their magic – creating aromas of bread, flowers, or even spices.

• Aging: Time spent in oak barrels or stainless steel, and later resting in the bottle, develops deeper aromas – from cocoa to leather, from vanilla to tobacco.

Every sip of wine, then, becomes a complex story of soil, sun, and human care.

What You’ll Smell in Montemaggio Wines

At Montemaggio, where our vineyards grow among stony soils rich in Galestro, the aroma of our wines reflects the very earth they come from.

• Our Chianti Classico tells a sincere tale:

  • Fresh, ripe red cherries.

  • A hint of violet.

  • Gentle whispers of sweet spices, perhaps cocoa or tobacco, thanks to barrel aging.

  • And, lingering quietly, a distinctive mineral note, like wet stone – a direct gift from our Galestro soil.

• Our Rosé of Sangiovese is a lighter story:

  • Strawberries, pomegranate, and freshly cut rose petals.

  • A sensation of summer in a glass.

• And with our Chardonnay, you’ll find:

  • Crisp aromas of pear, apple, and white flowers, like a meadow blooming under the Tuscan sun.

Each wine is a voice. Each aroma is a memory waiting to be awakened.

How to Smell Wine (and Listen to Its Story)

In our tastings, we encourage guests to approach wine like a new friend – not with technique, but with curiosity. Still, three simple steps can help anyone enjoy the aromas fully:

1. First Nose: Bring the glass to your nose gently – no swirling yet. Take in the first, immediate aromas.

2. Swirl: Now gently rotate your glass. Oxygen awakens deeper scents hidden inside the wine.

3. Second Nose: Bring the glass back to your nose. Breathe slowly. Try to catch the new aromas released by the swirling.

Don’t overthink. Don’t search too hard. Just let the memories come. Wine aromas often remind us of something long forgotten – a childhood garden, a dessert, a distant walk through the forest.

A Sensory Experience Beyond Tasting

At Montemaggio, wine is not just a drink. It’s a sensory experience. That’s why, during our tours, we guide guests through the vineyard itself – where aromas begin – and into our cellar, where they evolve.

In our tasting room, we help you:

• Recognize aromas,

• Describe them,

• And, most importantly, feel them.

Because every wine aroma is not just a chemical – it’s a personal memory.

Can You Train Your Nose?

Absolutely. And you don’t need to be an expert.

At Montemaggio, we suggest:

• Smelling fresh fruits, herbs, flowers, and spices regularly.

• Closing your eyes when you smell wine, to focus entirely on the sensation.

• Comparing two glasses of different wines side-by-side.

• Most importantly: practicing without pressure.

Let your nose learn at its own pace – and let your mind create connections.

Come Discover the True Scent of Tuscany

Every bottle of Montemaggio carries within it the perfume of our land, the rhythm of the seasons, and the patience of time. Visiting us is not just a wine tasting – it’s a sensory journey into the heart of Chianti Classico.

So, next time you raise a glass, remember: wine doesn’t begin with a sip.

It begins with a breath.