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certified specialist of wine (csw) - 2024 > 3. Grape Varieties > Flashcards

3. Grape Varieties Flashcards

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1
Q

Grapes belong to the genus __________.

A

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.).

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2
Q

Vine subspecies are more commonly referred to as __________________.

A

Grape varieties.

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3
Q

Which vine species are used for rootstock grafting?

A

Most common: Vitis Labrusca

Also used: Vitis Riparia, Vitis Aestivalis, and Vitis Rupestris.

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4
Q

What is the difference between a grape species and grape variety?

A

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.

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5
Q

What is a crossing?

A

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)

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6
Q

What is the difference between a crossing an a hybrid?

A

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.

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7
Q

What is vegetative propogation?

A

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.

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8
Q

What is a clone?

A

A clone is a grape variety that has mutated to be slightly different from its parent.

Examples:
Pinot Noir: Pommards, Dijon, Wadenswil
Chardonnay: Wente

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9
Q

What is a mutation?

A

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.

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10
Q

What are two examples of varieties that were created via mutation?

A

Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris - both are mutations are Pinot Noir.

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11
Q

Chardonnay’s “home” is considered to be:

A

Burgundy, France

Many consider this to be the highest expression of Chardonnay, where it thrives in Burgundy’s limestone soils.

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12
Q

The three top producing countries of Chardonnay are:

A

France
United States
Australia

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13
Q

Describe common characteristics of Chardonnay.

A

From warm climates: tropical fruit
From cool climates: green apple, melon, pears
With Malolactic Fermentation: butter, creamy
With Oak Aging: vanilla, butterscotch, caramel, toast

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14
Q

Why is Chenin Blanc grown in cool climates an ideal grape for sparkling wines?

A

Because of its high levels of acidity.

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15
Q

True or False.

Chenin Blanc is known as a versatile grape.

A

True

Chenin Blanc can be made still or sparking, ranging from dry to sweet (including botrytised wines).

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16
Q

Where is Chenin Blanc’s ‘home’?

A

Loire Valley, France

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17
Q

What is Chenin Blanc sometimes referred to in South Africa?

A

Steen

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18
Q

What is the most widely planted grape in South Africa?

A

Chenin Blanc (representing ~18% of all plantings).

There is roughly twice as much Chenin Blanc planted in South Africa than in France.

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19
Q

Name three well known examples of Chenin Blanc in the Loire:

A

Vouvray, Savennieres, Saumur

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20
Q

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

A

Chenin Blanc

Key producing countries are South Africa, France, and the US

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21
Q

What makes Chenin Blanc such a good variety for sweet wines?

A

High acidity of the grape allows late harvest picking - sweetness rises and acidity is maintained.

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22
Q

Does Chenin Blanc prefer cool or warm climates?

A

Chenin Blanc is extremely versatile and can thrive in both cool and warm climates.

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23
Q

Name three popular Muscat mutations. Which is generally the higher in quality?

A

Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat Ottonel

Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains is generally the higher of quality grape.

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24
Q

Does Muscat produce dry or sweet wines?

A

Both - though it is much better known for its sweet wines.

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25
Q

What grape is Moscato d’Asti made from? Where is it produced?

A

Muscat

Northern Italy

(Slightly sparkling, moderately sweet)

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26
Q

What is the name of the muscat based wine that is slightly sparkling, moderately sweet, and produced in northern italy?

A

Moscato d’Asti

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27
Q

What are three key regions for Muscat?

A

Southern France
Northern Italy
Australia

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28
Q

What is a common aroma of all Muscat based wines?

A

Powerful floral aroma and scent of fresh white grapes

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29
Q

What are some common aromas of Muscat based wines?

A

Musk, honey, orange blossom, floral, apricot, table grapes

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30
Q

Name the four top producing countries for Muscat based wines

A

Italy
France
Chile
Australia

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31
Q

True or False

Muscat generally has low to medium acidity and medium to high alcohol.

A

True

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32
Q

What does “Pinot Grigio”/“Pinot Gris” translate to and refer to?

A

Gray Pinot

Referring to the lightly pink colored skin of the grape.

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33
Q

Describe the differences between a typical Pinot Grigio and a typical Pinot Gris.

A

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

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34
Q

What is another name for the German Rulander?

A

Pinot Gris / Pinto Grigio

Also referred as Grauburgunder in Germany

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35
Q

Why does Riesling make such a good candidate for sweet wines?

A

Its high acidity means it can withstand additional / late harvest ripening and additional sugar production.

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36
Q

True or False

Oak aging is rare with Rieslings.

A

True

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37
Q

What are the most well known areas for Riesling?

A

Germany: Mosel, Rheingau, Theinhessen, Pfalz
France: Alsace
US: Fingerlakes/NY, Washington State
Australia: Clare Valley, Eden Valley

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38
Q

What is Riesling’s common acidity and alcohol levels?

A

Acidity: High to Very High
Alcohol: Very low to High

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39
Q

What are some common aromas with Riesling?

A

Lime, peach, nectarine, apricot, honeysuckle, wet stone, petrol, baking spices (well aged)

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40
Q

Where are the traditional ‘homes’ of Sauvignon Blanc in France?

A

Loire Valley and Bordeaux

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41
Q

Describe a typical New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

A

Highly aromatic and zesty. Distinct herbal characteristics, grassy, fruit forward (especially grapefruit).

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42
Q

What is Fume Blanc?

A

Fume Blanc is a marketing synonym for Sauvignon Blanc that has been aged in oak and has a pronounced oak effect.

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43
Q

What variety is often blended with Sauvignon Blanc in Bordeaux? And why is that?

A

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.

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44
Q

What are five well known example of Sauvignon Blanc?

A

Sancerre
Pouilly Fume
White Bordeaux
New Zealand
Fume Blanc

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45
Q

How does Sauvignon Blanc differ when grown in cooler climates vs warmer climates?

A

Cooler Climates: Grass, hay, grapefruits, green pepper
Warmer Climates: asparagus, melons

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46
Q

What are the top five highest producing countries for Sauvignon Blanc?

A

France, New Zealand, Chile, United States, South Africa

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47
Q

True or False.

Sauvignon Blanc typically has medium plus to high acidity and high alcohol.

A

True: Sauvignon Blanc has medium plus to high acidity.
But False: Sauvignon Blanc does not typically have high alcohol levels, it typically falls into a medium range.

48
Q

Where is it most common to see Semillon as a single varietal wine?

A

In Hunter Valley, Australia

Semillon is more commonly a blending partner to Sauvignon Blanc in Frances and to Chardonnay in other parts of Australia.

49
Q

Describe Semillon as a single varietal.

A

On its own, Semillon can be waxy / oily and typically shows indications of citrus (lemon, grapefruit), flowers (honeysuckle, lemon), and tree fruit (peach, pear, and green apple).

If underripe, it may show herbal characteristics similar to Sauvignon Blanc.

50
Q

Where is Viogner’s ‘home’?

A

Northern Rhone Valley

51
Q

Which white varietal has its home in Northern Rhone?

A

Viogner

52
Q

Where else, beyond Northern Rhone, is Viognier being grown?

A

Australia, California, Texas, Virginia, South America

53
Q

Describe Viognier in terms of body and flavor characteristics.

A

Full Body

Highly aromatic: Floral, peach, tangerine

54
Q

What is Pinot Blanc known as in Italy and Germany?

A

Italy: Pinot Bianco
Germany: Weissburgunder

55
Q

Where is Pinot Blanc most commonly found?

A

Italy, Germany, and Austria

Pinot Blanc is also one of the main grapes of Alsace.

56
Q

How do Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc compare to each other?

A

This will vary based on the clone and climate, but for the most part, Pinot Blanc is generally lighter and more exotic aroma wise than PInot Gris.

57
Q

What are four common aromas of Gewurztraminer?

A

Gewurztraminer is highly aromatic, with unique perfumes of flowers - especially rose - lychee, and spice.

58
Q

Gewurztraminer is most prominent today in _______________.

A

Alsace

59
Q

Trebbiano Toscano is known as ____________ in France.

A

Ugni Blanc

Note: Ugni Blanc is the most widely planted white grape in France, more than 2x that of Chardonnay. Most of Ugni Blanc in France is used for the production of brandy (Cognac and Armagnac) rather than wine.

60
Q

Ugni Blanc is known as ________________ in Italy.

A

Trebbiano Toscano

Note: Ugni Blanc is the most widely planted white grape in France, more than 2x that of Chardonnay. Most of Ugni Blanc in France is used for the production of brandy (Cognac and Armagnac) rather than wine.

61
Q

Torrentes Riojano’s key home is in __________________.

A

Argentina

62
Q

Name 5 well known examples of Cabernet Franc.

A

Within a red Bordeaux blend
Loire Valley (Chinon and Bourgueil)
California
Eastern US ( Virginia! , New York State )
Northeast Italy

63
Q

Why might Cabernet Franc be better suited for planting in a given area compared to Cabernet Sauvignon?

A

Cabernet Franc is often better suited for planting in areas where the climate prevents Cabernet Sauvignon from fully ripening.

64
Q

Describe a typical profile for Cabernet Franc.

A

Characteristic aromas: cranberry, strawberry, tobacco, bell pepper, tea
In warmer climates, may also see notes of raspberry and violet

Acidity = medium to high
Tannins = light to medium
Alcohol = medium

65
Q

What grape is planted the most across the world?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon

66
Q

Is Cabernet Sauvignon an early ripening, regular ripening, or late ripening grape?

A

Late ripening

67
Q

Compare a Napa Valley Cabernet to a Bordeaux Cabernet.

A

Napa is representative of a warm climate, where Cabernets will ripen more fully, and therefore be higher in alcohol, lower in acidity, and more fruit forward than in Bordeaux, where the climate is cooler.

In Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon is also more likely to have other varietals blended within, whereas Cabernet Sauvignon is more likely to be a single varietal.

68
Q

What are the four top producing countries for Cabernet Sauvignon?

A

France
Chile
United States
Australia

69
Q

In Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon is commonly blended with __________.

A

Shiraz

70
Q

Described the acidity, tannin, and alcohol levels of Cabernet Sauvignon.

A

Acidity: Medium to High
Tannins: High
Alcohol: High

71
Q

How does a typical aroma profile differ for Cabernet Franc vs Cabernet Sauvignon?

A

Cabernet Franc is more likely to red fruits (cranberry, strawberry) while Cabernet Sauvignon is more likely to see black fruits (black currant, black cherry).

Both may show indications of bell pepper, Cabernet Sauvignon is more likely to show eucalyptus and mint.

Aging will add additional flavor and aromas as well.

72
Q

What does GSM stand for?

A

Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre blends.

73
Q

Where did Grenache originate?

A

In Spain, where it is known as Garnacha.

74
Q

What is Grenache referred to as in Italy?

A

Cannonau (specific to Sardinia)

75
Q

In which climates does Grenache thrive?

A

Mediterranean climates - hot, dry summers.

Grenache develops high sugar levels as it ripens, resulting in high alcohol level.

76
Q

Name five well known examples of Grenache.

A

Southern Rhone
Spain: Priorat, Rioja, Navarra
Australia

77
Q

What is Grenache’s acidity, tannin, and alcohol levels?

A

Acidity: low to medium
Tannin: low to medium
Alcohol: high

78
Q

How does Merlot differ from Cabernet Sauvignon?

A

Compared to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot tends to be less intense, less tannic, less alcoholic - with brighter, more fruit forward flavors.

79
Q

Where in Bordeaux does Merlot dominate blends?

A

On the Right Bank

80
Q

Why are Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon such good blending partners?

A

Their aromas are similar, but not identical, which create a much richer array of flavors together.

This is also true of the black fruit (CS) and red fruit (M) combination of flavors.

81
Q

How do Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon differ in terms of ripening?

A

Merlot ripens earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon. This is why areas that cannot always get Cabernet Sauvignon to full ripening are more inclined to plant Merlot there instead.

82
Q

Name the five top producing countries for Merlot.

A

France, US, Spain, Italy, Chile

83
Q

What is Merlot’s acidity, tannin, and alcohol profile?

A

Acidity: Medium
Tanning: Medium
Alcohol: Medium to high

84
Q

Where is Pinot Noir’s “home”?

A

Burgundy

85
Q

Pinot Noir does best in what type of climate?

A

Cooler climates

86
Q

True or False

More Pinot Noir is planted in Champagne (for sparkling wine) than in Burgundy.

A

True

Pinot Noir is a natural choice for sparkling wines, as its preference for cooler climates lends to a more acid driven grape (which is ideal for sparkling wines).

87
Q

What is Spatburgunder?

A

Pinot Noir in Germany.

88
Q

What is Pinot Noir known as in Germany?

A

Spatburgunder

Spatburgunder is the most widely planted red grape in Germany.

89
Q

What is a typical acid, tannin, and alcohol profile for Pinot Noir?

A

Acid: Medium to High
Alcohol: Medium
Tannin: Low to Medium

90
Q

Describe 5 characteristic aromas for Pinot Noir.

A

Cherry
Raspberry
Strawberry
Violet
Lilac
Sandalwood
Earth

With aging:
Mushroom, leather, forest floor

91
Q

What are three top producing countries for Pinot Noir?

A

France, United States, Germany

92
Q

Where is Syrah’s “home”?

A

Rhone Valley

93
Q

What is Syrah’s acid, alcohol, and tannin profile?

A

Acid: Low to medium
Alcohol: High
Tannin: High

94
Q

Name five characteristic aromas of Syrah.

A

Blackberry, anise, rosemary, black pepper, dried fruits

Tar, leather smoke, forest floor, earth, smoked meats (well aged)

95
Q

Describe Zinfandel’s profile.

A

Dark, highly pigmented color

High alcohol

Notes of raspberry, blackberry, raisin

“Jammy”

96
Q

What is Zinfandel known as in Italy?

A

Primitivo

97
Q

What is Primitivo known as outside of Italy?

A

Zinfandel

98
Q

What grape is known as the backbone of Chianti?

A

Sangiovese

99
Q

How is Nebbiolo described?

A

“Tar and Roses”

Cherry, blackberry, licorice

Highly tannic
High Acid

Ideal for aging

100
Q

What is the leading red grape of Spain?

A

Tempranillo

Tempranillo is also a significant grape of Portugal.

101
Q

Name three characteristic aromas of Tempranillo.

A

Strawberry, red cherry, currant, spice

102
Q

Where is it believed Malbec originated?

A

France

(Cahors)

103
Q

Is Malbec still grown in France?

A

Yes.

It can be a minor component in some Bordeaux blends.

It is the primary grape of the Cahors region (“Black Wine”).

104
Q

What are the two key producing countries for Malbec?

A

Argentina and France

105
Q

Describe Malbec’s profile.

A

Deeply pigmented - ‘Inky black’
Flavors of blackberry and plum

106
Q

Where is Gamay most famous?

A

For the low tannin, fruit forward wines of Beaujolais.

107
Q

Where is Gamay found outside of Beaujolais?

A

Maconnais
Loire Valley
Switzerland
California

108
Q

True or False

Gamay is primarily suited for fresh wines, meant to drink while young.

A

False

Gamay also produces wines that can age beautifully, with complex flavors of red fruit (raspberry, currant, cranberry), flowers (violets, lilacs), black better, green herbs, and wet stones.

109
Q

What is uniquely notable about Alicante Bouschet?

A

Alicante Bouschet is a red grape variety with red flesh in addition to red skin.

It is a cross between Petit Bouschet and Grenache, first cultivated in the mid 1800.

110
Q

Where is Alicante Bouschet found today?

A

Spain, Portugal, Southern France, Australia, and central California.

111
Q

What is Garnacha Tintorera known as outside of Spain?

A

Alicante Bouschet

112
Q

Where is Carmenere’s primary ‘home’?

A

Chile

113
Q

What red wine is Uruguay most known for today?

A

Tannat

114
Q

Name two key red grapes for Portugal.

A

Touriga France

Touriga Nacional

115
Q

What is a Teinturier?

A

A grape with both red skin and red flesh.

example: Alicante Bouschet

116
Q

Alicante Bouschet is unique in that it has both red skin and red flesh. What is that kind of grape called?

A

A Teinturier

certified specialist of wine (csw) - 2024 (26 decks)

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