blind tasting Flashcards
automatic recall of grape descriptions
abv for Beaujolais
moderate = 12.5 - 13.9 %
abv for Chinon
moderate = 12.5 - 13.9 %
abv for Barolo / Barbaresco
moderate + to high
14 - 14.9 %
> 15 %
abv for Brunello di Montalcino
moderate plus, elevated
14 - 14.9 %
abv for Chianti Classico
moderate to moderate plus
12.5 - 13.9 %
14 - 14.9 %
abv for Amarone della Valpolicella
high = < 15%
abv for Rioja
moderate to moderate plus
12.5 - 13.9 %
14 - 14.9 %
abv for Ribera Del Duero
moderate plus to high
14 -14.9%
> 15%
abv for Barossa Shiraz
Medium plus to high
14 - 14.9 %
> 15%
abv for South Australia Grenache
moderate plus to high
14 - 14.9%
> 15%
abv for Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
moderate plus to high
14 - 14.9%
> 15%
abv for California Zinfandel
medium plus to high
14 - 14.9 %
> 15%
abv for Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
moderate plus to high
14 - 14.9%
> 15%
abv for Oregon Pinot Noir
moderate to moderate plus
12.5 - 13.9 %
14 - 14.9 %
abv for South Africa Pinotage
Moderate
12.5 - 13.9 %
abv for Mendoza Malbec
moderate plus to high
14 - 14.9 %
> 15 %
abv for Chilean Carmenere
moderate to moderate plus
12.5 - 13.9 %
14 - 14.9 %
Define Balance in a wine?
“seamless integration of structure, fruit, oak, and other components, wherein no single element overwhelms or stands out.”
What is the criteria for classic wine?
- The style of the wine is produced from a variety or varieties commonplace in a particular region
- The wine has been grown and vinified through methods traditionally employed in the wine’s place of origin.
- The wine is present and available in major international markets
- The wine exhibits one or more characterisitcs that make it distinctive
What is complexity in a wine?
The sum of a wine’s aromas and flavors, and a measure of how much they change with time in a glass. Cellar worthy wines generally gain complexity with age. Low complexity wines are like 3 cord pop songs that are entertaining but tire.
abv of left bank Bordeaux
moderate to moderate plus
12.5-13.9 %
14 - 14.9 %
abv of right bank Bordeaux
strong moderate to moderate plus
13.5 %
14 - 14.9 %
abv of Northern Rhone Syrah
moderate to moderate plus
12.5 - 13.9 %
14 - 14.9 %
abv of Chateauneuf-du-Pape
moderate plus to high
14 - 14.9 %
> 15 % for some prestige cuvees. Clos st. Jean 2011 listed at 16 %
abv of Cote d’Or Pinot Noir
moderate to moderate plus
12.5 - 13.9 %
14 - 14.9 % - most examples fall in the medium range
abv for California Pinot Noir
moderate plus to high
14 - 14.9 %
> 15 %
abv for Cote d’Or Chardonnay
moderate to moderate plus
12.5 - 13.9 %
14 - 14.9 % - rarely
abv for Chablis Chardonnay
medium minus, diminished
10 - 12.4 %
sometimes moderate
12.5 - 13.9 %
abv for Sancerre
medium minus, diminished
10 - 12.4 %
sometimes moderate
12.5 - 13.9 %
abv for Muscadet
medium minus, diminished
10 - 12.4 %
abv of Vouvray Chenin Blanc
medium minus, diminished
10 - 12.4 %
sometimes moderate
12.5 - 13.9 %
abv for Savenierres
medium to medium plus
12.5 - 13.9 %
14 - 14.9 %
abv for Alsace Riesling
moderate
12.5 - 13.9 %
abv for Alsace Pinot Gris
medium to medium plus
12.5 - 13.9 %
14 - 14.9 %
abv for Italian Pinot Grigio
moderate
12.5 - 13.9 %
abv for Rias Baixas Albarino
moderate
12.5 - 13.9 %
abv for Austrian Gruner Veltliner
moderate to moderate plus
12.5 - 13.9 %
14 - 14.9 %
abv for Mosel Kabinett Riesling
low
< 10 %
abv for Rheingau GG Riesling
moderate - keep in mind wine is dry
12.5 - 13.9 %
abv for Marlborough New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
moderate
12.5 - 13.9 %
abv of Hunter Valley Semillon
moderate minus
10 - 12.4 %
abv of Clare or Eden Valley Riesling
moderate minus
10 - 12.4 %
moderate
12.5 - 13.9 %
abv of California Chardonnay
moderate to moderate plus
12.5 - 13.9 %
14 - 14.9 %
abv of California Viognier
moderate plus to high
14 - 14.9 %
> 15 %
abv for Salta Torrentes
moderate plus
14 - 14.9 %
abv of white Bordeaux
moderate
12.5 - 13.9 %
abv of Condrieu
moderate plus
14 - 14.9 %
What is the scale of abv levels?
low = < 10 % moderate minus = 10 - 12.4 % moderate = 12.5 - 13.9 % moderate plus = 14 - 14.9 % high = > 15%
what is the preferred soil type of Grenache
hot, dry, stony soils such as schist or granite
typical oak regime for Grenache CDP
large neutral barrel, or concrete vats
what is the typical structure for Grenache CDP
dry moderate to full bodied moderate to moderate plus tannin moderate to moderate plus acidity moderate to moderate plus abv %
Other aromas for Grenache CDP
powdered sugar
dried orange, grapefruit peel
old leather - brett?
Spice aromas for Grenache CDP
curing spices black pepper juniper clove licorice lavender
Herbal aromas for Grenache CDP
rosemary
brewed black tea
savory herbs
Floral aromas for Grenache CDP
red flowers
dried lavander
2 flaws common to Grenache CDP
volatile acidity
oxidation
Fruit aromas for Grenache CDP
cooked, dried fruits strawberry, cherry roasted red plum blackberry blueberry raisin fig
Color of Grenache CDP
ruby
slight orange rim, even in youth
mod concentration
other grapes in the blend can add blue and purple tones
Fruit aromas for Australian Grenache
cooked, stewed fruits strawberry marachino cherry plum pie prune fig raisin
Herbal aromas of Australian Grenache
mint menthol eucalyptus black tea leaf dried savory herbs
Spice aromas of Australian Grenache
curing spices
black pepper
licorice
Earth aromas for Australian Grenache
moderate - crushed vitamin
Oak aromas for Australian Grenache
neutral to moderate use
new French barrique or American hogshead
Structure of Australian Grenache
Dry, but ripe attack ripe sappy fruit moderate plus to full body moderate acidity moderate tannin moderate plus to high abv %
Color of Argentine Malbec
dark, ruby / purple
blue tones
electric pink rim
moderate plus to high concentration
Structure of Argentine Malbec
dry, but ripe attack full body moderate to moderate plus acidity - elevation moderate to moderate plus tannin moderate plus to high abv %
Oak regime for Argentine Malbec
Low to high
New French barrique and American oak
vanilla, baking spice, chocolate, cinnamon
Floral aromas for Argentine Malbec
purple and red flowers
violets, damson, carnation
florals are expressive in high elevation wines
Fruit aromas for Argentine Malbec
Ripe and lush
black fruit: black raspberry, black cherry, blackberry
blue fruit: concord grape jam, plum, blueberry
red fruit: raspberry liqueur
dried fruit: fig, raisin, prune
What is the aroma of American oak?
Dark, roasted aromas that catch your attention before you get your nose in the glass. Coconut, dill, fresh cut wood, toast, and semi sweet chocolate, coffee bean can all indicate American oak. Look above the glass.
personal tell for Gruner Veltliner.
Green fruit and radish. Green melon specifically.
color of Tempranillo- Rioja
Ruby with moderate minus to moderate concentration. I have seen darker examples. Especially in Ribera del Deuro.
fruit aromas for Tempranillo - Rioja
Tart and sweet fruits.
Red fruit: cherry, strawberry, red currant
Sour Asian plum
Dried plum
Gran Reserva styles of Rioja will can display what 2 faults?
Oxidation, and Brettanomyces
Floral aromas for Tempranillo - Rioja
Red flowers, and dried flowers
Herbal aromas for Tempranillo - Rioja
Tobacco, and dill. Think dill pickle
other aromas for Tempranillo - Rioja
Sweet and Sour sauce.
Iodine
Leather
Spice
Earth aromas for Tempranillo - Rioja
moderate to high minerality
baked earth
clay
compost
Oak aromas of Tempranillo - Rioja
Low to moderate use of New American or mixed American / French barrels.
Extended time in barrel for Reserva and Gran Reserva styles - vanilla, coconut, dill, cumin, curry, fenugreek, sandalwood
Bourbon barrel
What is the structure for Tempranillo - Rioja
dry moderate plus body moderate to moderate plus tannin moderate plus acidity moderate to moderate plus abv %
color of Carmenere
dark ruby with purple tones
moderate plus concentration
can have staining of tears
fruit aromas of carmenere
ripe and lush fruit
black fruit: cassis, blackberry, black plum, black cherry
stewed tomato
black cherry cake - red velvet cake
floral aromas of carmenere
violets and purple flowers
green, herbal, pyrazine aromas of carmenere
strong green notes contrast ripe fruit green bell pepper celery camphor jalepeno
spice aromas of carmenere
black pepper
oak aromas of carmenere
low to moderate use of new French oak
chocolate
campfire smoke
structure of carmenere
dry, with ripe attack moderate plus body moderate to moderate plus acidity moderate tannin moderate plus to high abv %
color of Marsanne - Northern Rhone white
yellow with hints of gold and green
moderate plus to high concentration
intensity of aromas for Marsanne - Northern Rhone white
moderate plus intensity
fruit aromas of Marsanne - Northern Rhone white
ripe stone fruit: apricot, apricot pit, white peach, white plum
ripe tree fruit: quince, pear, baked apple
melon
orange marmalade, citron or lemon oil
are there any oxidation notes for Marsanne
yes,
likely aromas of almond, marzipan, hazelnut
root veg, or root beer
some wine making notes of Marsanne
yes,
some butter and cream
floral aromas of Marsanne
yes,
white flowers, honeysuckle, acacia
spice aromas of Marsanne
cinnamon, and musk
other aromas for Marsanne
beeswax, honey, parsnip, root beer
earth aromas of Marsanne
moderate to high minerality
granite and stone
oak aromas of Marsanne
neutral casks or low to moderate use of new French oak: vanilla pod, toast smoke baking spice
structure of Marsanne
dry moderate plus to full body moderate to moderate plus acidity moderate plus to high abv % phenolic bitterness
current menu item that would work with Hermitage blanc?
rissotto, brandied pears, toasted hazelnuts, and orange zest
what is cost?
abbreviation for primary fruit
C = citrus O = orchard S = stone T = tropical
what are the 3 basic colors for white wines?
straw
yellow
gold
color of Condrieu?
yellow or pale gold
with moder plus concentration
intensity of aromas for Condrieu
high intensity
primary fruit aromas for Condrieu
citrus - ripe: mandarin orange, ruby red grapefruit
orchard - yellow / brown pear
stone - ripe and lush: apricot, peach, peach pit
tropical - mango and persimmon
floral aromas for Condrieu
honeysuckle
jasmine
orange blossom
rose
spice aromas for Condrieu
cinnamon musk candied citrus peel anise gingerbread
what are some malolactic fermentation aromas
creme fraiche
yogurt
butter
earth aromas for Condrieu
moderate to moderate plus minerality
stone
granite
oak aromas for Condrieu
none, neutral, low to moderate
can be as much as 30% new French oak
California Viognier
oily texture
sweetened cereal = fruit loops
high abv %
phenolic bitterness
color of Torrontes
yellow
hints of green
moderate plus concentration
can sometimes be water white
intensity of aromas, Torrontes
high intensity
white perfumed aromas
primary fruit aromas for Torrontes
citrus - ripe: orange, meyer lemon orchard - pear , apple soda stone - ripe: peach tropical fruit - pineapple, guava, papaya others - melon and green grape / muscat
floral aromas for Torrontes
highly floral perfume orange blossom rose jasmine geraniums
unique aromas for Torrontes
hand lotion
soap
potpourri
light musk
earth aromas for Torrontes
low to moderate
dry stone
oak influence for Torrontes
none
structure for Torrontes
dry moderate to moderate plus body moderate to moderate plus acidity moderate plus to high abv % possible bitterness
fruit for red wines
red
blue
black
dried
fruit descriptor fruit SB / Semillon blend
green fig, dried green fruit, fig newton
color of Muscat
straw / yellow
moderate to moderate plus concentration
intensity of Muscat aromas
high
heady and perfumed
primary fruit aromas for Muscat
citrus - ripe: orange and tangerine orchard - yellow pear stone - ripe: yellow peach, apricot tropical - pineapple mango also can melon and grape aromas
floral aromas for Muscat
white, yellow, and red flowers honeysuckle rose orange blossom lilacs elderflower
herbal aromas for Muscat
slight vegetal notes
spice aromas for Muscat
musk
potpourri
cinnamon
licorice
earth aromas for Muscat
moderate to moderate plus minerality
stony, button mushroom, dam cellar
oak aromas for Muscat
none
large neutral cask
structure of Muscat
dry moderate body moderate to moderate plus acidity moderate plus abv % bitterness
color of Gewurztraminer
yellow / gold
moderate plus to high concentration
intensity of Gewurztraminer aromas
high (heady)
primary fruit aromas for Gewurztraminer
citrus - orange marmalade, grapefruit pith
orchard - ripe pear
stone - ripe: peach jam, dried apricot
tropical - lychee, pineapple, tropical fruit punch
florals for Gewurztraminer
rose
floral, perfume
spice for Gewurztraminer
cinnamon clove gingerbread musk potpourri exotic spices
other aromas of Gewurztraminer
honey
bergamot oil
face lotion
perfume hand soap
earth aromas of Gewurztraminer
moderate to moderate plus
stone
granite
oak aromas of Gewurztraminer
no oak, or neutral oak
structure of Gewurztraminer
dry to off dry moderate plus to full body moderate acidity moderate plus to high abv % phenolic bitterness
color of Albarino
pale straw
hints of green
moderate minus concentration
slight residual gas in youth
primary fruit aromas for albarino
citrus - ripe: orange, meyer lemon, ruby red grapefruit
orchard - green apple
stone - white peach, peach pit, apricot, nectarine
melon fruit as well
floral aromas for Albarino
white and yellow florals
citrus and apple blossoms
other aromas for Albarino
bubblegum agave slight beer yeast leesy saline
earth aromas for Albarino
moderate plus minerality
stone
granite
oak aromas for Albarino
None
structure of Albarino
dry
moderate body
moderate plus acidity
moderate abv %
color of Alsace Pinot Gris
yellow / pale gold
possible slight copper and pink tones
moderate to moderate plus concentration
intensity of aromas, Alsace Pinot Gris
moderate to moderate plus
primary fruit of Alsace Pinot Gris
citrus - candied citrus, meyer lemon, orange
orchard - baked apple, quince
stone - apricot and yellow peach
tropical - pineapple, banana peel
floral aromas for Alsace Pinot Gris
apple blossoms
honeysuckle
spice aromas for Alsace Pinot Gris
exotic spices
musk
cinnamon
botrytis aromas for Alsace Pinot Gris
honey
ginger
other aromas for Alsace Pinot Gris
beeswax
damp cellar
nutty
bitter almond
earth aromas for Alsace Pinot Gris
moderate to high minerality
mushroom
forest floor
oak aromas for Alsace Pinot Gris
large neutral casks
structure of Alsace Pinot Gris
dry to medium sweet moderate plus body moderate to moderate plus acidity moderate plus abv % phenolic bitterness
color of Pinot Grigio
pale straw
hints of green
possible slight copper and pink tones
moderate concentration
intensity of aromas for Pinot Grigio
moderate intensity
primary fruit aromas for Pinot Grigio
citrus - lemon
orchard - red and yellow apple
stone - creamy, white peach and nectarine
melon
floral aromas for Pinot Grigio
white and yellow flowers
herbal aromas for Pinot Grigio
watercress
arugula
other aromas for Pinot Grigio
peanut shell
lager yeast
stale beer
earth aromas for Pinot Grigio
Moderate to moderate plus minerality stone chalk ashen notes saline
oak aromas for Pinot Grigio
none
structure of Pinot Grigio
dry moderate body moderate plus acidity moderate abv % slight phenolic bitterness
color of Wachau Gruner Veltliner Federspiel
pale straw
hints of green
moderate minus concentration
can have slight residual gas in youth
intensity of aromas for Wachau Gruner Veltliner Federspiel
moderate to moderate plus intensity
primary fruit aromas of Wachau Gruner Veltlier Federspiel
CITRUS - grapefruit, lemon, lime
ORCHARD- green apple
STONE - under-ripe to ripe stone fruit: white peach, nectarine yellow cherry, green plum
Green melon
personal note - look for green plum, green melon, green apple, lime, combined with radish
floral aromas for Wachau Gruner Veltliner Federspiel
white flowers - can be very floral
spice aromas for Wachau Gruner Veltliner Federspiel
Radish
wasabi
white pepper
peppery green - watercress and arugula
green herbal notes for Wachau Gruner Veltliner Federspiel
sugar snap pea crisp green vegetable celery tarragon chive, chive blossom
will Wachau Gruner Federspiel have botrytis aromas
no, it is harvest too early for botrytis to develop, but Smaragd is harvest later and can have it
earth aromas for Wachau Gruner Federspiel
high minerality
stone
granite
other aromas common for Wachau Gruner Federspiel
leesy
smoke
oak aromas for Wachau Gruner Federspiel
none
structure of Wachau Gruner Federspiel
dry
moderate body
moderate plus acidity
moderate abv %
color of Wachau Gruner Smaragd
straw / yellow / gold
hints of green
moderate to moderate plus concentration
intensity of aromas for Wachau Gruner Smaragd
moderate plus
primary fruit aromas of Wachau Gruner Smaragd
CITRUS - grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange
ORCHARD - red and yellow apple
STONE - ripe / lush: peach, apricot, yellow cherry, white plum
TROPICAL - slight dried tropical fruit -pineapple
spice aromas of Wachau Gruner Smaragd
Radish
white pepper
lentils
wasabi
floral aromas of Wachau Gruner Smaragd
white flowers
green / herbal aromas of Wachau Gruner Smaragd
slight chive
tarragon
sage