The plant (also lavas or pleasure vine; lat. Levisticum officinale) has a strong aroma similar to Maggi seasoning, which is why it is also called Maggi herb (the well-known seasoning, however, does not contain lovage). It is a hardy, herbaceous plant that can reach growth heights of 1 to 2.5 metres. The whole plant smells intensely aromatic. The taste is also reminiscent of celery, but is sharper and more bitter. The aromatic substance sotolon is responsible for the typical, toasty taste. Especially oxidatively vinified wines can have this tone reminiscent of caramel. See also under wine talk.
Picture left: Public domain, Link
Picture middle: By H. Zell - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Picture right: By 4028mdk09 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
wein.plus is a handy, efficient guide to a quick overview of the colourful world of wines, winegrowers and grape varieties. In Wine lexicon, the most comprehensive of its kind in the world, you will find around 26,000 keywords on the subject of grape varieties, wineries, wine-growing regions and much more.
Roman Horvath MW
Domäne Wachau (Wachau)