Glossary
Herbaceous
/her-BAY-shus/
Aromas of green herbs, grass, or vegetables.
Full Definition
Herbaceous describes green, vegetal aromas like bell pepper, grass, herbs, or asparagus. At moderate levels, it's varietal character for Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Excessive herbaceousness, especially in red wines, suggests underripe grapes or excessive canopy shading. Methoxypyrazines cause these aromas.
Related Terms
See Also
Reference
More terms starting with H
Hail
A weather hazard that can destroy grape crops.
Harvest
The picking of grapes, typically in autumn.
Heat Spike
A period of extreme heat that can damage vines and grapes.
Hogshead
A 300-liter barrel common in Australia.
Horizontal Tasting
Comparing multiple wines from the same vintage.
Hot
Excessive alcohol creating a burning sensation.