Herb
Dirty
Definition
Brett, VA, or unclean cellar note — usually negative.
Why this matters in wine
Some natural wine drinkers tolerate low levels.
Position inside its category
Dirty
Parent category
Herb — Herbaceous, green, and savory vegetal notes — from grassy Sauvignon Blanc to bell pepper pyrazines in Carmenère.
Sibling descriptors
Opposite descriptors
More in Herb
Frequently confused with
FAQ
- What does dirty mean in wine?
- Brett, VA, or unclean cellar note — usually negative.
- Why does dirty matter for pairing?
- Some natural wine drinkers tolerate low levels.
- What is dirty often confused with?
- Tasters often overlap dirty with barnyard. Each descriptor has a distinct place in the wine vocabulary.