3. Grape Varieties Flashcards
Grapes belong to the genus __________.
Vitis.
Within the vitis gens, there are a few dozen species of grapes. But only Vitis Vinifera and Vitis Labrusca are used for making grapes (and Vitis Labrusca is used minimally. Its primary value is for its phylloxera resistant root stock.).
Vine subspecies are more commonly referred to as __________________.
Grape varieties.
Which vine species are used for rootstock grafting?
Most common: Vitis Labrusca
Also used: Vitis Riparia, Vitis Aestivalis, and Vitis Rupestris.
What is the difference between a grape species and grape variety?
A species is a scientific grouping of plants (or animals) that are genetically similar, which share a broad set of characteristics, and can produce viable offspring through reproduction. Example: Vinifera
A variety is a subspecies. In grape growing, the subspecies is an identifiable group of the same species that share many characteristics of appearance, flavor, and growth. Example: Chardonnay and Syrah are varieties (or subspecies) of Vinifera.
What is a crossing?
A cross, or a crossing, is the offspring between different subspecies within the same species.
Example: Cabernet Sauvignon (cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc)
What is the difference between a crossing an a hybrid?
Crossing = offspring from two parents of the same species.
Hybrid = offspring from parents of different species.
Hybrids typically struggle to develop adequate levels of tannin and can be extremely acidic. They are typically not fertile but may be propagated through cuttings.
Seyval Blanc and Vidal Blanc are popular examples of hybrids.
What is vegetative propogation?
When a cutting - or another offshoot - of an existing plant sprouts roots to create a new plant.
Most grape varieties in commercial viticulture are reproduced via vegetative propogation.
What is a clone?
A clone is a grape variety that has mutated to be slightly different from its parent.
Examples:
Pinot Noir: Pommards, Dijon, Wadenswil
Chardonnay: Wente
What is a mutation?
A mutation is a grape that has developed sufficiently distinct characteristics from its parents to be considered a separate variety.
Examples: Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris are mutations from Pinot Noir and considered commercially distinct varieties.
What are two examples of varieties that were created via mutation?
Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris - both are mutations are Pinot Noir.
Chardonnay’s “home” is considered to be:
Burgundy, France
Many consider this to be the highest expression of Chardonnay, where it thrives in Burgundy’s limestone soils.
The three top producing countries of Chardonnay are:
France
United States
Australia
Describe common characteristics of Chardonnay.
From warm climates: tropical fruit
From cool climates: green apple, melon, pears
With Malolactic Fermentation: butter, creamy
With Oak Aging: vanilla, butterscotch, caramel, toast
Why is Chenin Blanc grown in cool climates an ideal grape for sparkling wines?
Because of its high levels of acidity.
True or False.
Chenin Blanc is known as a versatile grape.
True
Chenin Blanc can be made still or sparking, ranging from dry to sweet (including botrytised wines).
Where is Chenin Blanc’s ‘home’?
Loire Valley, France
What is Steen?
Chenin Blanc is sometimes referred to as Steen in South Africa.
What is Chenin Blanc sometimes referred to in South Africa?
Steen
What is the most widely planted grape in South Africa?
Chenin Blanc (representing ~18% of all plantings).
There is roughly twice as much Chenin Blanc planted in South Africa than in France.
Name three well known examples of Chenin Blanc in the Loire:
Vouvray, Savennieres, Saumur
What variety would be described as:
Versatile: still, sparkling, dry to sweet
Characteristics of green apple, yellow pear, melon, citrus, almond, chamomile, honey
Acidity: Medium plus to high
Alcohol: Medium to high
Chenin Blanc
Key producing countries are South Africa, France, and the US
What makes Chenin Blanc such a good variety for sweet wines?
High acidity of the grape allows late harvest picking - sweetness rises and acidity is maintained.
Does Chenin Blanc prefer cool or warm climates?
Chenin Blanc is extremely versatile and can thrive in both cool and warm climates.
Name three popular Muscat mutations. Which is generally the higher in quality?
Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat Ottonel
Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains is generally the higher of quality grape.
Does Muscat produce dry or sweet wines?
Both - though it is much better known for its sweet wines.
What grape is Moscato d’Asti made from? Where is it produced?
Muscat
Northern Italy
(Slightly sparkling, moderately sweet)
What is the name of the muscat based wine that is slightly sparkling, moderately sweet, and produced in northern italy?
Moscato d’Asti
What are three key regions for Muscat?
Southern France
Northern Italy
Australia
What is a common aroma of all Muscat based wines?
Powerful floral aroma and scent of fresh white grapes
What are some common aromas of Muscat based wines?
Musk, honey, orange blossom, floral, apricot, table grapes
Name the four top producing countries for Muscat based wines
Italy
France
Chile
Australia
True or False
Muscat generally has low to medium acidity and medium to high alcohol.
True
What does “Pinot Grigio”/“Pinot Gris” translate to and refer to?
Gray Pinot
Referring to the lightly pink colored skin of the grape.
Describe the differences between a typical Pinot Grigio and a typical Pinot Gris.
Pinot Gris:
- Cooler climate
- Medium+ acidity
- Medium to full body
- Pear or almond like qualities
- May have a moderate amount of residual sugar
Examples: Alsace, Oregon, Germany (where its called Rulander or Grauburgunder)
Pinot Grigio:
- Warmer climate
- Medium- acidity
- Higher alcohols
- Typically dry, neutral, unoaked
Examples: Alto Adige, Veneto, California. Australia
What is another name for the German Rulander?
Pinot Gris / Pinto Grigio
Also referred as Grauburgunder in Germany
Why does Riesling make such a good candidate for sweet wines?
Its high acidity means it can withstand additional / late harvest ripening and additional sugar production.
True or False
Oak aging is rare with Rieslings.
True
What are the most well known areas for Riesling?
Germany: Mosel, Rheingau, Theinhessen, Pfalz
France: Alsace
US: Fingerlakes/NY, Washington State
Australia: Clare Valley, Eden Valley
What is Riesling’s common acidity and alcohol levels?
Acidity: High to Very High
Alcohol: Very low to High
What are some common aromas with Riesling?
Lime, peach, nectarine, apricot, honeysuckle, wet stone, petrol, baking spices (well aged)
Where are the traditional ‘homes’ of Sauvignon Blanc in France?
Loire Valley and Bordeaux
Describe a typical New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.
Highly aromatic and zesty. Distinct herbal characteristics, grassy, fruit forward (especially grapefruit).
What is Fume Blanc?
Fume Blanc is a marketing synonym for Sauvignon Blanc that has been aged in oak and has a pronounced oak effect.
What variety is often blended with Sauvignon Blanc in Bordeaux? And why is that?
Sauvignon Blanc is often blended with Semillon in Bordeaux. Sauvignon Blanc is a high acid variety, Semillion is a lower acid variety. Blending the two results in a more balanced wine.
What are five well known example of Sauvignon Blanc?
Sancerre
Pouilly Fume
White Bordeaux
New Zealand
Fume Blanc
How does Sauvignon Blanc differ when grown in cooler climates vs warmer climates?
Cooler Climates: Grass, hay, grapefruits, green pepper
Warmer Climates: asparagus, melons
What are the top five highest producing countries for Sauvignon Blanc?
France, New Zealand, Chile, United States, South Africa