Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

WSET Level 2 > 10. Chardonnay > Flashcards

10. Chardonnay Flashcards

1
Q

Chardonnay grapes can be grown in which climates?

A

Warm, moderate and cool

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

A typical cool climate Chardonnay displays what characteristics?

A

High acidity, light to medium body, flavours of green fruits, citrus fruits and wet stones

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

A typical moderate climate Chardonnay displays what characteristics?

A

Medium to high acidity, medium to full body, flavours of lemon, stone fruits, and sometimes tropical fruits

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

A typical warm climate Chardonnay displays what characteristics?

A

Medium acidity, full bodies, flavours of stone fruit and tropical fruit

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What adjustment is often used by warm climate Chardonnay producers to improve the balance of the wine?

A

Acidification

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Which winemaking process is often used by Chardonnay producers to soften harsh acids and add dairy flavours?

A

Malolactic conversion

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Malolactic conversion is often used by Chardonnay producers to do what?

A

Soften harsh acids and add dairy flavours

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Which adjustments / winemaking processes are often used in the production of Chardonnay wines

A 
Acidification (in warm climate)
Malolactic conversion (to soften harsh acids)
Less contact (to add body and bread flavours)
Oak maturation (add body and flavours)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What common tertiary flavours can be developed in bottle aged Chardonnay?

A

Mushroom and hazelnut

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

The use of stainless steel tank fermentation is more likely in which climate for Chardonnay production?

A

Cool climate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What type of vessel is often used for fermentation or maturation in warm climate Chardonnay production?

A

Oak barrels (or other oak use)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Which six countries are most well known for the production of Chardonnay?

A

France, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, South Africa

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Which wine region in France is famed for the production of Chardonnay?

A

Burgundy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is the lowest level of PDO production of Chardonnay in Burgundy?

A

Bourgogne AOC

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What are the 5 key village level appellations of Chardonnay production in Burgundy?

A

Chablis
Cote d’Or: Mersault, Puligny-Montrachet
Maconnais: Macon, Pouilly-Fuisse

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What are the typical chardonnay characteristics of Chablis?

A

Dry, high acidity, flavours of apple, lemon and wet stones

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What climatic influence can negatively impact the production / yields of Chardonnay in Chablis?

A

Cool climate = increased chance of frost

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What adjustments / winemaking processes are often used in the production of Chablis?

A

Typically limited use of winemaking options to preserve the delicacy of cool climate fruit flavours. Use of inert vessels most common

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

The Cote D’Or is a ___ climate

A

Moderate climate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What primary aromas are common in a Cote D’or Chardonnay?

A

Riper fruit (compared to Chablis), often stone fruits - peach and melon

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Which two villages in the Cote d’Or are famed for the production of high quality Chardonnay?

A

Mersault

Puligny-Montrachet

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Mersault and Puligny-Montrachet are most well known for the production of which grape?

A

Chardonnay

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

The Cote d’Or is a sub-region of which famous wine producing region?

A

Burgundy - best known for the production of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Which regions and appellations are best known for the use of oak and lees contact in Burgundy chardonnay?

A

Cote d’Or: Mersault & Puligny Montrachet

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Outstanding quality wines from Mersault and Puligny-Montrachet can produce which tertiary flavours / aromas?
Chardonnay wines - hazelnut and mushroom
26
Wines from which two appellations in Burgundy are often considered to be the pinnacle of Chardonnay production in the world, commanding high prices?
Mersault & Puligny Montrachet in the Cote d'Or
27
Macon AOC wines are produced from which grape?
Chardonnay
28
Which characteristics best describe a wine produced in the Macon AOC
Fruity Usually unoaked Simple flavours: lemon, peach and melon
29
Pouilly Fuisse is located in which wine producing region?
Maconnais, Burgundy
30
Pouilly Fuisse is best known for the production of which grape?
Chardonnay (NOT Sauvignon Blanc!)
31
Which appellation of the Maconnais is best known for production of Chardonnay using oak barrels?
Pouilly Fusse
32
Which characteristics best describe a wine produced in the Pouilly Fusse AOC
Concentrated stone fruit and tropical fruit flavours | Often fermented in oak barrels
33
Which warm climate IGP is situated close to the Mediterranean coast, producing high volumes of ripe, fruity Chardonnay with flavours of peach, pineapple and banana?
South of France
34
Which four regions of California are best known for their production of Chardonnay?
Carneros, Sonoma, Napa Valley and Santa Barbara County
35
The inland Central Valley of California is a warm climate region producing what style / characteristics of Chardonnay wines?
``` High volume No GI - labelled California Peach and Pineapple flavours Medium acidity Medium body Often uses oak chips or staves ```
36
What climatic influence provides excellent growing conditions for Chardonnay in Carneros?
Coastal fog coming in from the San Pablo Bay area cools the vineyards, allowing for a longer, slower ripening season
37
What climatic influence provides excellent growing conditions for Chardonnay in Sonoma?
Cool sea breezes coming from the Pacific Ocean allow the grapes to retain acidity while developing complex fruit flavours
38
What growing conditions & style of Chardonnay would you expect from vineyards towards the northern end of Napa Valley?
Increasing warm weather and sun Full bodied wines Tropical fruit forward Use of new oak - vanilla and spice flavours
39
What climate would you find in Oregon?
Moderate
40
What style of Chardonnay would you find in Oregon?
Refreshing high acidity | Range of flavours - citrus through to tropical
41
South Eastern Australia is a GI that describes what style of Chardonnay wines?
High volume Generic grape grapes from a wide region Often warm, irrigated inland vineyards Often blended with Semillon or cooler vineyard wine
42
What climatic influence allows for the production of Chardonnay in Adelaide Hills?
Cool altitude
43
What climatic influence allows for the production of Chardonnay in Yarra Valley?
Cool ocean currents from the south
44
What style of Chardonnay is produced in Adelaide Hills and Yarra Valley?
Medium to high acidity Ripe stone fruits (peach) Sometimes tropical fruits (pineapple, banana) Some use of oak
45
What style of Chardonnay is produced in Margaret River?
Small production Medium to full body Ripe stone fruits (peach) Tropical fruit (pineapple)
46
Which three regions of Australia are best known for the production of Chardonnay?
Adelaide Hills Yarra Valley Margaret River
47
Which two regions of New Zealand are best known for the production of Chardonnay?
Marlborough | Hawkes Bay
48
What style of Chardonnay is produced in Marlborough?
High acidity Ripe lemon, peach and melon Subtle use of oak
49
What climate can be found in Hawkes Bay?
Moderate climate
50
What style of Chardonnay is produced in Hawkes Bay?
Full bodied High acidity Pronounced stone fruit flavours
51
What is the key difference between the climates of Casablanca Valley and Central Valley?
Casablanca Valley is exposed to sea breezes and fogs from the Pacific Ocean, creating a cooler climate that elongates the growing season.
52
What is the prominent region that produces high quality Chardonnay in Chile?
Casablanca Valley
53
What style of Chardonnay is produced in Casablanca Valley?
Refreshing wines Citrus (lemon) Stone fruits (peach) Varied use of oak
54
What region of Chile produces high volume, lower quality Chardonnay?
Central Valley
55
Hawkes Bay, Adelaide Hills and Casablanca Valley are all regions which produce high quality versions of which white grape?
Chardonnay
56
South Africa's Western Cape is well known for high volume production of which white grape, often blended with other white varietals such as Chenin Blanc?
Chardonnay
57
Which region of South Africa allows for a cool enough climate to produce high quality Chardonnay?
Walker Bay
58
What climatic influence allows for the production of high quality Chardonnay in Walker Bay?
Exposure to strong cooling sea breeze from the south
59
What style of Chardonnay is produced in Walker Bay?
High acidity Ripe stone fruits (peach) Tropical fruits (pineapple) Use of oak
60
Which grape varietal is prized for its ability to produce outstanding quality wines in all three climates?
Chardonnay

WSET Level 2 (24 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions