Minerality and salinity: two impressions

The standard

The distinguished taste level assigns an impression to the level on which it arises: a basic taste, an aroma or a composite overall impression.

Criteria

• Salinity belongs to a basic taste, minerality to an overall impression
• A measurable stimulus is not equated with an interpretation
• The level of description is named, not left open
• The term stays constant so that two tasters mean the same

Distinction

Salinity ≠ minerality: salinity is a single basic taste, minerality a composite impression. Minerality ≠ acidity: acidity too is measurable and self-standing, whereas minerality denotes no such single quantity. The distinguished taste level separates stimulus and interpretation.