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 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
True or False.
Sauvignon Blanc typically has medium plus to high acidity and high alcohol.
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.
Where is it most common to see Semillon as a single varietal wine?
In Hunter Valley, Australia
Semillon is more commonly a blending partner to Sauvignon Blanc in Frances and to Chardonnay in other parts of Australia.
Describe Semillon as a single varietal.
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.
Where is Viogner’s ‘home’?
Northern Rhone Valley
Which white varietal has its home in Northern Rhone?
Viogner
Where else, beyond Northern Rhone, is Viognier being grown?
Australia, California, Texas, Virginia, South America
Describe Viognier in terms of body and flavor characteristics.
Full Body
Highly aromatic: Floral, peach, tangerine
What is Pinot Blanc known as in Italy and Germany?
Italy: Pinot Bianco
Germany: Weissburgunder
Where is Pinot Blanc most commonly found?
Italy, Germany, and Austria
Pinot Blanc is also one of the main grapes of Alsace.
How do Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc compare to each other?
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.
What are four common aromas of Gewurztraminer?
Gewurztraminer is highly aromatic, with unique perfumes of flowers - especially rose - lychee, and spice.
Gewurztraminer is most prominent today in _______________.
Alsace
Trebbiano Toscano is known as ____________ in France.
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.
Ugni Blanc is known as ________________ in Italy.
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.
Torrentes Riojano’s key home is in __________________.
Argentina
Name 5 well known examples of Cabernet Franc.
Within a red Bordeaux blend
Loire Valley (Chinon and Bourgueil)
California
Eastern US ( Virginia! , New York State )
Northeast Italy
Why might Cabernet Franc be better suited for planting in a given area compared to Cabernet Sauvignon?
Cabernet Franc is often better suited for planting in areas where the climate prevents Cabernet Sauvignon from fully ripening.
Describe a typical profile for Cabernet Franc.
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
What grape is planted the most across the world?
Cabernet Sauvignon
Is Cabernet Sauvignon an early ripening, regular ripening, or late ripening grape?
Late ripening
Compare a Napa Valley Cabernet to a Bordeaux Cabernet.
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.
What are the four top producing countries for Cabernet Sauvignon?
France
Chile
United States
Australia
In Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon is commonly blended with __________.
Shiraz
Described the acidity, tannin, and alcohol levels of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Acidity: Medium to High
Tannins: High
Alcohol: High
How does a typical aroma profile differ for Cabernet Franc vs Cabernet Sauvignon?
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.
What does GSM stand for?
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre blends.
Where did Grenache originate?
In Spain, where it is known as Garnacha.
What is Grenache referred to as in Italy?
Cannonau (specific to Sardinia)
In which climates does Grenache thrive?
Mediterranean climates - hot, dry summers.
Grenache develops high sugar levels as it ripens, resulting in high alcohol level.
Name five well known examples of Grenache.
Southern Rhone
Spain: Priorat, Rioja, Navarra
Australia
What is Grenache’s acidity, tannin, and alcohol levels?
Acidity: low to medium
Tannin: low to medium
Alcohol: high
How does Merlot differ from Cabernet Sauvignon?
Compared to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot tends to be less intense, less tannic, less alcoholic - with brighter, more fruit forward flavors.
Where in Bordeaux does Merlot dominate blends?
On the Right Bank
Why are Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon such good blending partners?
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.
How do Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon differ in terms of ripening?
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.
Name the five top producing countries for Merlot.
France, US, Spain, Italy, Chile
What is Merlot’s acidity, tannin, and alcohol profile?
Acidity: Medium
Tanning: Medium
Alcohol: Medium to high
Where is Pinot Noir’s “home”?
Burgundy
Pinot Noir does best in what type of climate?
Cooler climates
True or False
More Pinot Noir is planted in Champagne (for sparkling wine) than in Burgundy.
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).
What is Spatburgunder?
Pinot Noir in Germany.
What is Pinot Noir known as in Germany?
Spatburgunder
Spatburgunder is the most widely planted red grape in Germany.
What is a typical acid, tannin, and alcohol profile for Pinot Noir?
Acid: Medium to High
Alcohol: Medium
Tannin: Low to Medium
Describe 5 characteristic aromas for Pinot Noir.
Cherry
Raspberry
Strawberry
Violet
Lilac
Sandalwood
Earth
With aging:
Mushroom, leather, forest floor
What are three top producing countries for Pinot Noir?
France, United States, Germany
Where is Syrah’s “home”?
Rhone Valley
What is Syrah’s acid, alcohol, and tannin profile?
Acid: Low to medium
Alcohol: High
Tannin: High
Name five characteristic aromas of Syrah.
Blackberry, anise, rosemary, black pepper, dried fruits
Tar, leather smoke, forest floor, earth, smoked meats (well aged)
Describe Zinfandel’s profile.
Dark, highly pigmented color
High alcohol
Notes of raspberry, blackberry, raisin
“Jammy”
What is Zinfandel known as in Italy?
Primitivo
What is Primitivo known as outside of Italy?
Zinfandel
What grape is known as the backbone of Chianti?
Sangiovese
How is Nebbiolo described?
“Tar and Roses”
Cherry, blackberry, licorice
Highly tannic
High Acid
Ideal for aging
What is the leading red grape of Spain?
Tempranillo
Tempranillo is also a significant grape of Portugal.
Name three characteristic aromas of Tempranillo.
Strawberry, red cherry, currant, spice
Where is it believed Malbec originated?
France
(Cahors)
Is Malbec still grown in France?
Yes.
It can be a minor component in some Bordeaux blends.
It is the primary grape of the Cahors region (“Black Wine”).
What are the two key producing countries for Malbec?
Argentina and France
Describe Malbec’s profile.
Deeply pigmented - ‘Inky black’
Flavors of blackberry and plum
Where is Gamay most famous?
For the low tannin, fruit forward wines of Beaujolais.
Where is Gamay found outside of Beaujolais?
Maconnais
Loire Valley
Switzerland
California
True or False
Gamay is primarily suited for fresh wines, meant to drink while young.
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.
What is uniquely notable about Alicante Bouschet?
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.
Where is Alicante Bouschet found today?
Spain, Portugal, Southern France, Australia, and central California.
What is Garnacha Tintorera known as outside of Spain?
Alicante Bouschet
Where is Carmenere’s primary ‘home’?
Chile
What red wine is Uruguay most known for today?
Tannat
Name two key red grapes for Portugal.
Touriga France
Touriga Nacional
What is a Teinturier?
A grape with both red skin and red flesh.
example: Alicante Bouschet
Alicante Bouschet is unique in that it has both red skin and red flesh. What is that kind of grape called?
A Teinturier
