What Does "Earthy" Mean For Wine?

You may wonder what we mean when we discuss "earthy" wines in our Quick Reviews. When we talk about "earthy" aromas, what comes to mind?

• Dirt
• Stone
• Mushrooms

In some wines, these can be strong aromas and tastes. They may not seem like something you would want to drink, but some of the world's most famous winemakers rely on these flavors to provide a strong base to their wines which are then balanced against ripe fruit flavors and the spice of wood to create the desired balance of flavors as the wine ages.