What term is used to describe a wine's smell?

The term that describes a wine's smell is "aroma or bouquet." In the context of wine, aroma refers to the scents that are derived from the variety of grapes used, while bouquet refers to the complex smells that develop as wine ages and interacts with its environment.

The differentiation between aroma and bouquet is significant in wine tasting; aroma is typically associated with the fresh and fruity characteristics of young wines, while bouquet encompasses the more complex, nuanced scents that arise from the fermentation process and the aging of the wine.

Understanding these terms enhances the appreciation of wine as it helps tasters identify and describe what they perceive in a wine's olfactory profile, leading to a more nuanced tasting experience.