What Is Umami in Wine?
When you think of taste, you likely list salty, sweet, sour, and bitter. But there’s a fifth flavour on the scene—umami (oo-mah-mee)—and it’s the reason certain wines leave you reaching for more. Umami translates to “savoury deliciousness,” delivering that rich, mouth-filling quality you find in aged cheese or a hearty broth.
“Umami in wine is that subtle, earthy depth that turns a simple glass of red wine into an unforgettable experience.”
The Signature Notes of Umami
- Earthy & Forest-Floor: Mushrooms, wet leaves, buchu or pine hints
- Meaty & Gamey: Game meats, cured charcuterie, leather
- Oak & Age: Savoury spice from barrel ageing, tobacco leaf
Wines like Waterkloof’s Revenant Syrah and Groenland’s Steenkamp Cabernet/Merlot 2018 are textbook examples, boasting notes of forest floor, smoked herbs, and a savoury backbone that lingers on the palate.
Why Umami Makes Wine So Irresistible
- Intensifies Flavour
Umami amplifies the tasting experience, making every sip of red wine feel more complex and rewarding. - Boosts Salivation
You know that mouth-watering moment before taking another sip? That’s umami at work. - Keeps You Coming Back
Unlike sweetness, umami doesn’t fill you up—it whets your appetite for more. - Perfect Pairing Catalyst
When food and wine share umami qualities, they unlock hidden layers of flavour together.
Pairing Umami-Rich Wines with Food
| Wine | Food Pairing |
|---|---|
| Revenant Syrah (Waterkloof) | Soy-glazed duck, aged Gouda |
| Steenkamp Cabernet/Merlot 2018 (Groenland) | Mushroom risotto, truffle-salt popcorn |
| Matured Shiraz or bold red wines | Roast lamb, beef carpaccio |
| Umami-driven white wines (e.g., barrel-aged) | Hard cheeses, miso-marinated vegetables |
Spotting Umami in Both Unlabelled and Labelled Wine
Whether you’re browsing our unlabelled wines section or choosing a labelled wine from the Vinty Collection, here’s what to look for:
- Tasting Notes: Descriptors like “game,” “smoked herbs,” “olive tapenade,” or “forest floor.”
- Age & Oak Influence: Extended barrel or bottle ageing deepens the savoury profile.
- Recommended Pairings: If the winery suggests red meats, mushrooms, or aged cheese, you’re on an umami track.
Fun Fact: The Birth of Umami
In 1908, Japanese chemist Kikunae Ikeda analysed kombu seaweed broth and identified an entirely new taste sensation—umami—combining the words umai (tasty) and mi (essence). His discovery opened the door to understanding why foods and drinks with that savoury depth keep us coming back for more.
Your Next Step: Explore Umami-Rich Wines
Ready to dive into the world of umami? Whether you’re a newcomer to red wines or a collector of curated bottles, Vinty’s selection—including unlabelled wine gems and signature labelled wine releases—has something to surprise your tastebuds.
- Shop Wine Online: Browse our collection at vinty.co.za to discover earthy Syrahs, complex blends, and limited-release bottles that celebrate umami.
- Join the Conversation: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for pairing ideas, tasting notes, and behind-the-scenes stories from South Africa’s most inventive winemakers.
Embrace that savoury, forest-floor richness the next time you pour a glass. That’s umami speaking—inviting you to explore, savour, and come back for one more sip.
1 Comment
Sound great