3.9 Chenin Blanc, Semillon & Furmint

Question 1

In what climates does Chenin Blanc thrive?

Answer 1

Cool
Moderate
Warm

Question 2

Is Chenin Blanc naturally high or low in acidity?

Answer 2

High

Question 3

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

Answer 3

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

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

Question 4

Is Chenin blanc suitable for late harvest? Why?

Is Chenin blanc susceptible to botrytis/noble rot?

Answer 4

Late harvest: Yes, because of its high acidity

Botrytis: Yes

Question 5

Name the styles of wine produced from Chenin Blanc

Answer 5

Dry/sweet
Oaked/unoaked
Still/sparkling

Question 6

Does Chenin Blanc have the capacity to improve with age?

Answer 6

Yes

Question 7

Name a French AOC famous for Chenin Blanc production.

Answer 7

Vouvray AOC (Touraine, Loire Valley)

Question 8

What styles of Chenin Blanc are produced in Vouvray AOC?

Answer 8

Dry
Off-dry
Medium-sweet
Sweet
Sparkling

Question 9

Are Vouvray AOC wines typically oaked or un-oaked?

Answer 9

Un-oaked

Question 10

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

Answer 10

Chenin Blanc

Question 11

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

Answer 11

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

Question 12

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

Answer 12

Demi-Sec

Question 13

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

Answer 13

Dried fruit
Honey

Question 14

What is South Africa’s most planted white grape?

Answer 14

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

Question 15

What’s South Africa’s climate type?

Answer 15

Warm

Question 16

How does Chenin Blanc quality range in South Africa?

Answer 16

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)

Question 17

Are South African Chenin Blancs usually oaked or unoaked?

Answer 17

Oaked

Question 18

Why is Sémillon/Semillon spelled two different ways?

Answer 18

French/English

Question 19

In which climates does Semillon thrive?

Answer 19

Moderate & warm

Question 20

Describe the Semillon favor profile and structure

Answer 20

Green apple
Lemon/citrus
Grass

Light bodied to full bodied
Medium - High acidity

Question 21

How can Semillon develop with age?

Answer 21

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

Question 22

What is France’s most important region for Sémillon?

Answer 22

Bordeaux

Question 23

What are the styles of Sémillon produced in Bordeaux?

Answer 23

Still wines, ranging from dry to fully sweet

Question 24

What are common blending partners for Semillon in Bordeaux?

Answer 24

Sauvignon Blanc
Muscadelle

Semillon provides body and aging potential to these blends

Question 25

Is Semillon age-worthy?

Answer 25

Yes.

Question 26

What French region is famous for botrytized Semillon blends?

Answer 26

Sauternes AOC

Question 27

Where is Sauternes AOC?

Answer 27

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

Question 28

Describe Sauterne - the flavor profile, structure and production method

Answer 28

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

Question 29

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

Answer 29

Semillon, because of its susceptibility to Botrytis

Question 30

What new world wine producing country produces single variety Semillon

Answer 30

Australia

Question 31

Where regions in Australia produce Semillon wines?

Answer 31

Hunter Valley Barossa Valley

Question 32

Describe Hunter Valley Semillon

Answer 32

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

Question 33

Describe the production method for Hunter Valley Semillon

Answer 33

Early harvest (low sugar, high acid) inert vessel fermentation Bottles young Wines are neutral when young, but develop complexity as they age

Question 34

Describe the style of Barossa Valley Semillon

Answer 34

Styles vary! Some are similar to Hunter Valley versions Others are full bodied, matured in oak

Question 35

Where is Furmint's homeland?

Answer 35

Hungary

Question 36

Why's Furmint ideal for sweet wine production?

Answer 36

High acidity Susceptible to botrytis

Question 37

Which appellation in Hungary is famous for its Furmint production?

Answer 37

Tokaj

Question 38

What are botrytized wines from Tokaj called?

Answer 38

Tokaji Aszu (Azsu means botrytized in Hungarian)

Question 39

Where is Tokaj located?

Answer 39

NE Hungary

Question 40

What grapes are use in Tokaji Aszu?

Answer 40

Primarily Furmint, but often blended with Harslevelu

Question 41

Is Tokaji Aszu always sweet?

Answer 41

Yes

Question 42

What indicates the level of sweetness in Tokaji Aszu?

Answer 42

Puttonyos Either 5 or 6 (3 & 4 were recently phased out)

Question 43

Describe the flavor profile and structure of Tokaj Aszú.

Answer 43

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

Question 43

Is Tokaji Aszu age-worthy?

Answer 43

Yes!

Question 43

Is non Aszu wine made from Furmint in Tokaj?

Answer 43

Yes