3.9 Chenin Blanc, Semillon & Furmint Flashcards
In what climates does Chenin Blanc thrive?
Cool
Moderate
Warm
Is Chenin Blanc naturally high or low in acidity?
High
What flavors can Chenin Blanc express (according to ripeness/climate)
Less ripe:
Green fruit (apple)
Citrus (lemon)
More ripe:
Stone fruit (peach)
Tropical fruit (mango, pineapple)
Is Chenin blanc suitable for late harvest? Why?
Is Chenin blanc susceptible to botrytis/noble rot?
Late harvest: Yes, because of its high acidity
Botrytis: Yes
Name the styles of wine produced from Chenin Blanc
Dry/sweet
Oaked/unoaked
Still/sparkling
Does Chenin Blanc have the capacity to improve with age?
Yes
Name a French AOC famous for Chenin Blanc production.
Vouvray AOC (Touraine, Loire Valley)
What styles of Chenin Blanc are produced in Vouvray AOC?
Dry
Off-dry
Medium-sweet
Sweet
Sparkling
Are Vouvray AOC wines typically oaked or un-oaked?
Un-oaked
What is the only white grape varietal allowed in Vouvray AOC?
Chenin Blanc
Describe the flavor differences between a dry Vouvray and a sweet Vouvray.
Dry Vouvray = fresh apple and pear
Sweet Vouvray = extra-ripe tropical and stone fruit flavors, usually Botrytis-affected, too.
In Vouvray AOC, what’s the labeling term used to label off-dry or medium sweet styles?
Demi-Sec
What are some of the flavors Chenin Blanc can express as it ages?
Dried fruit
Honey
What is South Africa’s most planted white grape?
Chenin Blanc
It’s prized in this warm climate because of its high acidity
What’s South Africa’s climate type?
Warm
How does Chenin Blanc quality range in South Africa?
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)
Are South African Chenin Blancs usually oaked or unoaked?
Oaked
Why is Sémillon/Semillon spelled two different ways?
French/English
In which climates does Semillon thrive?
Moderate & warm
Describe the Semillon favor profile and structure
Green apple
Lemon/citrus
Grass
Light bodied to full bodied
Medium - High acidity
How can Semillon develop with age?
Tertiary aromas/flavors of dried fruit, nuts, biscuit and honey
What is France’s most important region for Sémillon?
Bordeaux
What are the styles of Sémillon produced in Bordeaux?
Still wines, ranging from dry to fully sweet
What are common blending partners for Semillon in Bordeaux?
Sauvignon Blanc
Muscadelle
Semillon provides body and aging potential to these blends
Is Semillon age-worthy?
Yes.
What French region is famous for botrytized Semillon blends?
Sauternes AOC
Where is Sauternes AOC?
It’s a sub-region near the south of Bordeaux, bordering Entre-deux-Mers
Describe Sauterne - the flavor profile, structure and production method
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
What is the most important white grape grown in Sauternes AOC?
Semillon, because of its susceptibility to Botrytis
What new world wine producing country produces single variety Semillon
Australia
Where regions in Australia produce Semillon wines?
Hunter Valley
Barossa Valley
Describe Hunter Valley Semillon
Dry
Light bodied
Low alcohol
Neutral flavors in its youth
Honey, nuts and biscuit with age
Describe the production method for Hunter Valley Semillon
Early harvest (low sugar, high acid)
inert vessel fermentation
Bottles young
Wines are neutral when young, but develop complexity as they age
Describe the style of Barossa Valley Semillon
Styles vary!
Some are similar to Hunter Valley versions
Others are full bodied, matured in oak
Where is Furmint’s homeland?
Hungary
Why’s Furmint ideal for sweet wine production?
High acidity
Susceptible to botrytis
Which appellation in Hungary is famous for its Furmint production?
Tokaj
What are botrytized wines from Tokaj called?
Tokaji Aszu
(Azsu means botrytized in Hungarian)
Where is Tokaj located?
NE Hungary
What grapes are use in Tokaji Aszu?
Primarily Furmint, but often blended with Harslevelu
Is Tokaji Aszu always sweet?
Yes
What indicates the level of sweetness in Tokaji Aszu?
Puttonyos
Either 5 or 6
(3 & 4 were recently phased out)
Describe the flavor profile and structure of Tokaj Aszú.
- Amber in color
- Full bodied
- Sweet
- High acid
- Fresh + dried fruits (apricot)
- Citrus
- Vanilla (oak)
- Smoke (oak)
- Caramel
- Nuts
- Long finish
Is Tokaji Aszu age-worthy?
Yes!
Is non Aszu wine made from Furmint in Tokaj?
Yes
