The Zinfandel Aroma Wheel was developed by Prof. Ann Noble of UC Davis in 1994 after
extensive research. The words are arranged in nine slices of a pie-shaped diagram,
radiating out from the most general in the center to the most specific. The aromas can come
from the grapes themselves---how they're grown, where they're grown, the clone, the pruning, vineyards
(soil, exposure, weather), ripeness. The aromas also come from the winemaking: a strawberry
note may come from whole grape clusters having been added to the must, oak aging might produce
aromas of vanilla, toast or spice, etc. Yet....the Aroma Wheel is open to discussion, editing and additions.
When Zinfandel Advocates & Producers recently asked its member wineries to describe Zinfandel,
terms came up which are not (yet) on the Wheel: Briary...jammy...explosive fruit...berry pie...
California monster berry fruit...pureness of fruit...explosive fruit...yummy.......
The laminated Aroma Wheel can be purchased for $5.00 each plus Shipping & Handling from the ZAP office.
Perfect for wine education classes or tastings or dinner parties, quantities can be
purchased for a discount by contacting the ZAP office.
