Eucalyptus Character

eucalyptus character, refers to an aroma and flavour found in red wine, most commonly but not exclusively in Australia and California and also in Chile, described variously as ‘eucalypt’, ‘camphor’, or ‘minty’. For some winemakers this characteristic is a selling point whereas others prefer to avoid it, or at least to limit its presence as far as possible. In 2010 the australian wine research institute (AWRI) assessed consumer response to eucalypt flavour in red wines and found that even at very low levels, most consumers reacted to the flavour, and more consumers preferred wines with the ‘minty’ flavour than disliked it.