| Posted on 20080103 |
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 Vanilla derives from the fruit of the orchid Vanilla Planifolia which originated in Mexico. This delicate and intense aroma is easy to recognize and it can be found in every single wine that spend some time in new oak casks. Chemically, the organic compound responsible for this aroma is Vanillin (or Methylvanillin or Hydroxy-4-methoxy- 3-benzaldehyde).
The vanilla aroma due to oak treatment is the result of the breakdown of lignine which is a complex compound found in wood. However, this scent can also occasionally be found in wines that have never been treated with oak.
Vanillin
The scent of vanilla is increasing in popularity because these days many winemakers decide to age their wines in new oak. That said, this aroma gives great elegance and complexity to both white and red wines with very few exceptions.
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