4.2 Principle White Grape Varieties Flashcards
Chardonnay
One of the most popular and widely planted grape varieties. It is capable of producing dry wines in a variety of different styles.
In cool climates, Chardonnay wines are high in acidity, light- to medium-bodied and have green fruit (apple) and citrus (lemon) aromas.
In warm climates, Chardonnay wines have a medium acidity, and a medium to full body, with stone fruit (peach) and tropical fruit (pineapple, banana) flavors.
Chardonnay is the grape used for making the white wines of Burgundy in France. The wines are medium-bodied with high acidity and aromas of citrus (lemon) and stone fruits (peach). They may also have vanilla notes from maturation in oak.
The wines from Chablis come from the coolest part of Burgundy and have high acidity and a light body with flavors of green fruits (apple) and citrus (lemon). These wines are typically unoaked.
Other places well known for producing Chardonnay wines include Australia and California.
Chardonnay can also be used in the making of Champagne, where it is often blended with Pinot Noir.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc produces dry wines that have a pronounced intensity of aromas and refreshingly high acidity.
Sauvignon Blanc wines are medium-bodied and have aromas of green fruit (apple), citrus (lemon, grapefruit) and herbaceous notes (asparagus, green bell pepper, cut grass).
They are often fermented in stainless steel tanks and are usually not matured in oak, to retain their characteristic Sauvignon Blanc aromas.
New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and Sancerre from France are popular wines made from this variety.
Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio is a very popular grape variety that produces wines with high acidity, a light body and simple flavors of pear and lemon.
Pinot Grigio wines are typically dry.
They are usually fermented in stainless steel tanks and not matured in oak, to retain fruity flavors.
Pinot Grigio is mainly associated with Italy but is also grown in other countries.
Riesling
Riesling produces wines that range from dry through to sweet, but all have high levels of acidity. The high acidity helps to balance any sweetness.
The wines have pronounced aromas that can range from floral and green fruits (apple) to citrus (lime, lemon) to stone fruits (peach, apricot).
Riesling wines can be light to medium bodied.
They are often fermented in stainless steel tanks and not matured in oak.
Riesling is the classic grape of Germany where it is produced in a range of dry to sweet styles.
Alsace in France and Australia produce Riesling wines in a dry style.
