3.9 Chenin Blanc, Semillon & Furmint Flashcards

1
Q

In what climates does Chenin Blanc thrive?

A

Cool
Moderate
Warm

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

Is Chenin Blanc naturally high or low in acidity?

A

High

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

What flavors can Chenin Blanc express (according to ripeness/climate)

A

Less ripe:
Green fruit (apple)
Citrus (lemon)

More ripe:
Stone fruit (peach)
Tropical fruit (mango, pineapple)

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

Is Chenin blanc suitable for late harvest? Why?

Is Chenin blanc susceptible to botrytis/noble rot?

A

Late harvest: Yes, because of its high acidity

Botrytis: Yes

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

Name the styles of wine produced from Chenin Blanc

A

Dry/sweet
Oaked/unoaked
Still/sparkling

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

Does Chenin Blanc have the capacity to improve with age?

A

Yes

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

Name a French AOC famous for Chenin Blanc production.

A

Vouvray AOC (Touraine, Loire Valley)

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

What styles of Chenin Blanc are produced in Vouvray AOC?

A

Dry
Off-dry
Medium-sweet
Sweet
Sparkling

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Are Vouvray AOC wines typically oaked or un-oaked?

A

Un-oaked

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

What is the only white grape varietal allowed in Vouvray AOC?

A

Chenin Blanc

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

Describe the flavor differences between a dry Vouvray and a sweet Vouvray.

A

Dry Vouvray = fresh apple and pear
Sweet Vouvray = extra-ripe tropical and stone fruit flavors, usually Botrytis-affected, too.

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

In Vouvray AOC, what’s the labeling term used to label off-dry or medium sweet styles?

A

Demi-Sec

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

What are some of the flavors Chenin Blanc can express as it ages?

A

Dried fruit
Honey

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

What is South Africa’s most planted white grape?

A

Chenin Blanc
It’s prized in this warm climate because of its high acidity

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

What’s South Africa’s climate type?

A

Warm

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

How does Chenin Blanc quality range in South Africa?

A

from
1. inexpensive, mass market brands, often labelled Western Cape (often from warmer inland areas and often blended with other varieties- typically dry and medium bodied with peach/pineapple and sometimes vanilla aromas/flavors)

to

2.Quality, examples from old vines (pronounced aromas of tropical fruit, smoke and vanilla)

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

Are South African Chenin Blancs usually oaked or unoaked?

A

Oaked

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

Why is Sémillon/Semillon spelled two different ways?

A

French/English

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

In which climates does Semillon thrive?

A

Moderate & warm

20
Q

Describe the Semillon favor profile and structure

A

Green apple
Lemon/citrus
Grass

Light bodied to full bodied
Medium - High acidity

21
Q

How can Semillon develop with age?

A

Tertiary aromas/flavors of dried fruit, nuts, biscuit and honey

22
Q

What is France’s most important region for Sémillon?

A

Bordeaux

23
Q

What are the styles of Sémillon produced in Bordeaux?

A

Still wines, ranging from dry to fully sweet

24
Q

What are common blending partners for Semillon in Bordeaux?

A

Sauvignon Blanc
Muscadelle

Semillon provides body and aging potential to these blends

25
Q

Is Semillon age-worthy?

A

Yes.

26
Q

What French region is famous for botrytized Semillon blends?

A

Sauternes AOC

27
Q

Where is Sauternes AOC?

A

It’s a sub-region near the south of Bordeaux, bordering Entre-deux-Mers

28
Q

Describe Sauterne - the flavor profile, structure and production method

A

lavor:
Pronounced primary flavors of stone fruit (apricot)

Secondary flavors from oak aging: vanilla and smoke

Tertiary flavors of dried fruit, honey and caramel

Structure
Sweet
High acid
Medium to high in alcohol
Full bodied

Botryized
Oak aged

29
Q

What is the most important white grape grown in Sauternes AOC?

A

Semillon, because of its susceptibility to Botrytis

30
Q

What new world wine producing country produces single variety Semillon

A

Australia

31
Q

Where regions in Australia produce Semillon wines?

A

Hunter Valley
Barossa Valley

32
Q

Describe Hunter Valley Semillon

A

Dry
Light bodied
Low alcohol
Neutral flavors in its youth
Honey, nuts and biscuit with age

33
Q

Describe the production method for Hunter Valley Semillon

A

Early harvest (low sugar, high acid)
inert vessel fermentation
Bottles young

Wines are neutral when young, but develop complexity as they age

34
Q

Describe the style of Barossa Valley Semillon

A

Styles vary!

Some are similar to Hunter Valley versions

Others are full bodied, matured in oak

35
Q

Where is Furmint’s homeland?

A

Hungary

36
Q

Why’s Furmint ideal for sweet wine production?

A

High acidity
Susceptible to botrytis

37
Q

Which appellation in Hungary is famous for its Furmint production?

A

Tokaj

38
Q

What are botrytized wines from Tokaj called?

A

Tokaji Aszu

(Azsu means botrytized in Hungarian)

39
Q

Where is Tokaj located?

A

NE Hungary

40
Q

What grapes are use in Tokaji Aszu?

A

Primarily Furmint, but often blended with Harslevelu

41
Q

Is Tokaji Aszu always sweet?

A

Yes

42
Q

What indicates the level of sweetness in Tokaji Aszu?

A

Puttonyos

Either 5 or 6

(3 & 4 were recently phased out)

43
Q
A
43
Q

Describe the flavor profile and structure of Tokaj Aszú.

A
  • Amber in color
  • Full bodied
  • Sweet
  • High acid
  • Fresh + dried fruits (apricot)
  • Citrus
  • Vanilla (oak)
  • Smoke (oak)
  • Caramel
  • Nuts
  • Long finish
43
Q

Is Tokaji Aszu age-worthy?

A

Yes!

43
Q

Is non Aszu wine made from Furmint in Tokaj?

A

Yes