Black Grapes

Question 1

6 black grape varieties in Côtes du Rhône

Answer 1

Grenache
Syrah
Mourvèdre
Cinsault
Carignan
Counoise

Question 2

Describe Grenache generally.

Answer 2

Acidity: lower
Body: fuller
Tannin: lower
Notes: higher alcohol, Garrigue, red fruits, black fruits, spice (white pepper)

Question 3

Describe Syrah generally.

Answer 3

Body: fuller
Tannin: higher
Notes: higher alcohol, can age; floral (violets), black fruits, spice (pepper & anise), earthy (truffle)

Question 4

Describe Mourvèdre generally.

Answer 4

Body: fuller
Tannin: velvety
Notes: great structure, can age, Garrigue, black fruits, spice

Question 5

Describe Cinsault generally.

Answer 5

Acidity: soft
Body: lighter
Tannin: soft
Notes: drink young, red fruits, spice (anise)

Question 6

Describe Carignan generally.

Answer 6

Acidity: higher
Body: fuller
Notes: higher alcohol, black fruits, spice (pepper & anise)

Question 7

Describe Counoise generally.

Answer 7

Acidity: fresh
Notes: moderate alcohol, drink young, floral, red fruits, dark fruits (plum), spice (pepper)

Question 8

Which black grape adds age-worthiness, velvety tannin and distinctive aromas of black fruit and garrigue to a blend, and is one of the 3 main grapes blended for Côtes du Rhône wines?

Answer 8

Mourvèdre

Question 9

Which black grape has high amounts of color, acid, and tannin; it adds structure and age-worthiness to blends?

Answer 9

Carignan

Question 10

Which black grape gives black fruit, black pepper, violet, anise, truffles and is the only red variety permitted in Northern Rhône?

Answer 10

Syrah

Question 11

Which black grape is often used for rosés due to its lighter color & body, soft tannins, and ripe red fruits?

Answer 11

Cinsault

Question 12

Which black grape gives fuller body and high alcohol, but has lower acid and tannin?

Answer 12

Grenache

Question 13

Which black grape contributes light color, red fruit, plum and floral character to a blend?

Answer 13

Counoise