... and just a hint of urine

• From the Herald-Sun of Australia

Cat's pee and sweaty passion fruit are hardly flavors to make your mouth water, but it seems Kiwis can't get enough of them.

These are the core aromas of New Zealand's world-leading sauvignon blanc, according to a six-year study by a team of lucky wine scientists.

The team spent more than $12 million ($9.1 million US) defining the flavors of the country's most popular grape variety, which has a unique flavour and character that has captured the world's interest.

They concluded it was a winning combination of sweet, sweaty passion fruit, asparagus, and cat's pee.

The tests were carried out by an expert sensory panel trained to distinguish between 16 flavors, including canned and fresh asparagus, stone fruit, apple and snow peas.

Thanks to Richard Lovrich for pointing out this story.

[Go here for the full story.]

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