2. Types and Styles of Wine Flashcards
What are the three Types of Wine?
- Still
- Sparkling
- Fortified
Describe a ‘Still’ wine.
- Still, not sparkling(!)
- Between 8 - 15% ABV, with the majority between 11.5% and 14% ABV.
- May be named after the region in which they were produced, or after the grape variety used to make them (eg. Pinot Grigio).
Give some examples of still wines from:
i. France
ii. Spain
iii. Italy
i. France: Sancerre, Burgundy
ii. Spain: Rioja
iii. Italy: Chianti
Describe a ‘Sparkling’ wine.
- Bubbly or fizzy wines
- The fizz is caused by Carbon Dioxide gas that is produced during fermentation and trapped in the wine.
- When the bottle is opened, the gas escapes as bubbles in the wine.
List some examples of sparkling wines from:
i. France
ii. Spain
iii. Italy
i. France: Champagne
ii. Spain: Cava
iii. Italy: Prosecco
Where are sparkling wines made?
All over the world!
Describe a ‘Fortified’ wine.
- These wines have had extra alcohol added to them and therefore have higher levels of alcohol (ranging from 15% - 22% ABV).
List some examples of fortified wines from:
i. Spain
ii. Portugal
i. Spain: Sherry
ii. Portugal: Port
Which features might contribute to a wine’s style?
The style of a wine is generally a combination of its colour, structural characteristics, and aromas and flavours.
What determines the colour of a wine?
- Grape variety used
- The way the wine is made
Which grapes are typically used to make White wine?
White grapes BUT it is possible to make a white wine from black grapes. The colour in black grapes is in the skins. Therefore, if the skins are separated from the juice before fermentation, a white wine can be made.
List some examples of white wine.
- Chablis from France
- Wines made from the Riesling grape
Which grapes are used to make red wine?
Black Grapes: The coloured grape skins stay with the grape juice during fermentation, bringing colour to the wine.
List some examples of Red wine.
- Rioja from Spain
- Wines made from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape
Which grapes are used to make Rosé wine?
Black grapes: The grape juice is left in contact with the grape skins for a short period before the juice is drained.
The juice is only lightly coloured by the skins as a result.
Give an example of Rosé wine.
White Zinfandel
What is sweetness in a wine caused by?
The presence of sugar in a wine.
- Dry wines have no sugar, or very low levels.
- Sweet wines have high levels of sugar.
What makes a ‘dry’ wine dry?
In order to make a dry wine, the yeast need to convert all the sugar in the grape juice into alcohol.