Umami
/oo-MAH-mee/The savory fifth taste sensation.
Full Definition
Umami is the fifth basic taste (with sweet, sour, salty, bitter) - a savory, brothy, meaty quality. In wine, umami comes from amino acids released during aging, particularly sur lie aging. It contributes depth and savoriness. Foods high in umami (mushrooms, aged cheese, soy) pair well with wines showing similar qualities.