Cigar box – is it something you want in your wine glass? There are plenty of weird wine terms out there, and one that’s definitely out there is cigar box. At face value, I’d rather not have this in my wine glass personally, but like most wine descriptors, there is always a time and place for them (most of them anyway). So what is cigar box in wine? In this guide, we break down this wine term so that you can get back to enjoying wine!
What is cigar box in wine?
Cigar box might not be exactly what you think it is, and no, I’m not going to ask you to go and lick a cigar box. Instead, think about what the aromas might be of a cigar box. Cedar and tobacco – these are what you’d typically associate with a cigar box. And like a cigar box, these aromas can also be found in wine. And they are quite pleasant when in the right wine. Those woody, earthy notes can really complement fruity notes in wine, adding complexity for you to enjoy.
The one thing to note is that cigar box in wine doesn’t mean that the wine has smokey notes. After all, we’re talking about the box, not the cigar itself. The aroma will be predominately cedar wood rather than adding a smokiness to the wine.
Where you’ll find it
Cigar box aromas are right at home with red wines, so if you find it in a white wine you might be in for an interesting experience. These notes are associated with oak aging which adds tertiary aromas to the wine. It doesn’t mean that the wine necessarily has to be aged to get this note, although it will sometimes appear more predominant in older wines as the fruit notes are more subdued.
In terms of where you’ll find it, it really depends on the winemaking. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Blends often have this note associated with them but you can find it anywhere from Italy’s Piedmont region to even some Spanish Rioja.