Bouquets of Blooms: Which wines give your glass floral finesse and why
As London bursts into bloom for the Chelsea Flower Show this week, it’s not just the gardens that are fantastically fragrant – your wine glass can be, too. Just like a perfectly curated bouquet, certain wines carry elegant floral aromas that captivate the senses and elevate the drinking experience.
No, we’re not just being poetic. Floral aromas in wine are a real, chemical phenomenon that gives certain wines an irresistibly aromatic, fragrant quality. If you’ve ever sniffed a glass and been reminded of rose petals, jasmine, orange blossom, or violets, then you’ve experienced the magic of floral notes.
The Science Behind Floral Aromas
Floral notes in wine come from aromatic compounds that are either naturally found in the grape or created during fermentation. The main players include:
- Terpenes – Responsible for rose, geranium, and citrus blossom aromas. Common in Muscat, Gewürztraminer, and Riesling.
- Esters – Produced during fermentation, often lend sweet, perfumed aromas.
- Lactones and phenols – Found more often in aged or oak-influenced wines, adding subtle florals like violet or lavender.
Different grape varieties and winemaking techniques can enhance or suppress these floral tones, which is why you’ll notice them more prominently in some wines over others.
Wines Known for Classic Floral Notes
Ready to discover the perfume of wine? Here are some classic floral wines that beautifully showcase these fragrant characteristics:
A heady, intensely aromatic white wine, Gewürztraminer (that’s pronounced ga-VERTZ-trah-mee-ner by the way) often smells like a bouquet of roses, lychee fruit, and honeysuckle. It’s exotic, lush, and unforgettable.
Our perfect pairing: Spicy food and bold flavours
Viognier offers rich floral notes like honeysuckle, orange blossom, and even a touch of lavender. It’s medium to full-bodied and often has a creamy texture.
Pairs beautifully with: Roast chicken, apricot-glazed pork, or creamy vegetarian curries.
- Muscat/Moscato – Jasmine & Elderflower
This grape is famous for its sweet, floral fragrance; jasmine, elderflower, and sometimes even orange peel. You’ll find it in both dry and sweet styles.
A great pick for: Aperitifs, fruit desserts, or sipping on a sunny patio
Depending on the region and dryness level, Riesling can show white blossoms, apple blossom, or lime flower. It’s a dynamic grape, and florals are just part of the show.
Excellent with: Asian cuisine, spicy dishes, or shellfish.
- Nebbiolo (e.g. Barolo) – Violet & Rose
Yes, even reds can be floral! Nebbiolo is famous for its complex bouquet, often including violet and rose petal, especially as it ages.
For fans of: Structured, tannic reds with elegant aromatic lift.
Although often admired for its soft, velvety texture and supple tannins Merlot still regularly gets overlooked and underestimated. Merlot can display delicious delicate violet and plum blossom aromas, especially in cooler climate styles like those from Bordeaux’s Right Bank. These floral hints lift its dark fruit profile, adding layers of complexity and finesse.
Ideal for: lovers of a smooth sip on the sofar or pairing with Roast lamb or duck
Final Sip: Why Floral Wines Matter
Floral aromas add elegance, complexity, and a lift to the wine in your glass. If you’ve never paid attention to florals in your wine before, now’s the perfect time to start sniffing and swirling with new curiosity.
