Humans Can Detect Over One Million Odors, Yet Use Only a Fraction in Daily Life

Wine enthusiasts often talk about the importance of smell when tasting and understanding wine. The sense of smell is always active, working alongside taste to help us enjoy food and drink. Without it, tasting becomes difficult, as smell and taste are closely linked. Scientists estimate that humans can detect more than one million different odors, but in daily life, we only use a small fraction of this ability. Compared to animals like dogs or bats, our sense of smell is less developed. In these animals, a larger part of the brain is dedicated to processing smells, while in humans, this function shares space with other brain activities.

In the world of wine, smell plays a crucial role. Red wine contains over a thousand volatile compounds that contribute to its aroma. These include organic acids, esters, aldehydes, and other chemicals. When people smell wine, they mainly use their nose, but the mouth and throat also play a part in detecting aromas. As wine is tasted, air moves through the mouth and up into the nasal passages, allowing the brain to process the full flavor profile.

Some professionals specialize in identifying and describing wine aromas. Known as “noses” in the wine industry, these experts evaluate wines for quality and unique characteristics. Becoming a professional nose requires strong olfactory skills and deep knowledge of wine. Many work in wineries, wine shops, or as independent consultants.

The sense of smell is also closely tied to memory. A familiar scent can trigger memories or emotions from the past. This happens because the olfactory system connects directly to the limbic system in the brain, which manages emotions and memory. The process starts in the olfactory bulbs above the nasal cavity. These structures collect scent information and send it to different parts of the brain. In the amygdala, smells are linked to emotions; in the hippocampus, they connect with memories.

Businesses have learned to use this connection between smell and emotion for marketing purposes. Scent marketing creates signature aromas for brands to strengthen their identity and influence customer behavior.

A person’s sense of smell changes throughout life. For example, many women notice heightened sensitivity to smells during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. On the other hand, aging or diseases like Alzheimer’s can reduce olfactory ability.

Another interesting fact is that each person has a unique scent determined by genetics and environment. This personal odor can be used for identification purposes—even after death—when other methods are not possible.

The sense of smell remains one of our most complex senses, playing an important role not only in gastronomy but also in memory, emotion, and even forensic science. Its influence extends far beyond what most people realize in their daily lives.