Forget the Fruit, Savor These Salty Wines
Everyone talks about the fruit notes in wine, but have you ever heard someone call a wine “salty?” As strange as it may sound, it’s a common flavor profile, and a delicious one at that. Whether you’re digging into a platter of oysters or sipping a glass on your patio, these intriguing whites are sure to give your palate a jolt.
The wines aren’t vinified with salt – no winemaker is pulling any Salt Bae moves in the cellar – but there are several reasons why wines obtain that saline note.
Geography is one of the key factors; many of the vineyards are located near large bodies of water and saltwater elements from the ocean, carried over by wine currents, are deposited in the soil or even on grape skins.
Speaking of dirt, soils themselves, especially volcanic or chalky, could contribute to that flavor profile. While scientists are still figuring out exactly why terroir give wines their certain je ne sais quoi, it’s commonly acknowledged that the chemical composition of a particular plot of land affects the wine’s taste. Although unfounded, certain grape varieties may also have organic compounds, much like terroir, that render them “salty.”
Finally, grapes with a high acid content contribute to the salty sensation on the palate. That zingy, pucker-y, and saliva-inducing feeling could be interpreted as saline. Coincidentally, vines with beachfront property tend to produce higher-acid grapes; climactic effects from the sea keep temperatures cool and stable, so grapes ripen slowly and retain acidity.
Salty may not sound refreshing at first, but the crispness can be quenching. They’re also a great pairing with shellfish and coastal-inspired dishes. See for yourself how the above factors come into play across various regions to create delicious examples of salty wines.
La Clape AOC, Languedoc, France
Located in the Languedoc region of France, a hike up this region’s hills yields rewarding views of the Mediterranean Sea next to the snow-capped Pyrenees mountains. Bourboulenc, an indigenous varietal, lends character to the whites, such as the Chateau d’Angles, Grand Vin White, Languedoc, France. Citrus fruits, floral notes, and nutty tones complement the savory saline in this complex wine.
