Determination of aromatic descriptors of Touriga Nacional wines by sensory descriptive analysis

Touriga Nacional wines from the Douro Demarcated Region (northern Portugal) were evaluated by sensory descriptive analysis by 11-13 trained judges. The panel initially identified 78 attributes. After some sessions of reduction of terms and by using statistical methods, the list was reduced to 16 sensory attributes. Principal component analysis of the sensory data permitted the clear differentiation between Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz wines. These wines differed significantly for five sensory attributes. Touriga Nacional wines were characterized by 'plum brandy', 'mulberry', 'cherry', 'wild fruits' and 'dry raisin' aromas.