C9 - Red and Rose Winemaking Flashcards
Cabernet Sauvignon grape characteristics
- thick-skinned
- late-ripening
- moderate to warm climate
- deep colour, flavour and high tannin
Cabernet Sauvignon / Haut-Medoc / profile - young and aged
In youth: Grippy tannins. Cedar and Blackcurrant leaf.
With age: Softer tannins. More expression.
What Merlot gives to Cabernet Sauvignon in blending
juicy plum flavours and a smoother texture
Cabernet Sauvignon / Europe / other regions
South of France, Italy and Spain
Cabernet Sauvignon / blend / non-Merlot examples:
- Sangiovese
- Tempranillo
classic regions for the non-european production of Cabernet Sauvignon
- Napa Valley @California
- Coonawarra and Margaret River @Australia
- Hawke’s Bay @New Zealand
- Stellenbosch @South Africa
- Colchagua Valley @Chile
How much new oak can be used when vinifying Cabernet? Why?
- A high proportion of new oak can be used
- Due to the grape’s intense flavours, medium to full body and high tannins
What kind of oak is widely used for Cabernet wines?
French 225L barriques
Why Cabernet Sauvignon is less suitable for a single-varietal wine?
High tannins and lack of body
Merlot grape characteristics
It buds and ripens earlier than Cabernet
What is the “international style” of Merlot?
- Grapes harvested as late as possible
- Intense purple colour
- Concentrated blackberry and plum fruit
- Soft, velvety tannins
- Matured in new oak for adding toasty flavours
What is the “traditional Bordeaux style” of Merlot
- Harvested earlier
- Medium body and alcohol
- Higher acidity
- Fresh red fruit character
- Some vegetal, leafy aromas
Pinot Noir grape characteristics
- Thin-skinned
- Early budding
- Early ripening
List two styles into which Pinot Noir can be made
- Light and fruity with red cherry notes
- Complex and earthy with flavours of spice and forest floor
Which climates is Pinot Noir best grown in? Why?
- Cool to moderate climates
- It is an early ripening variety
Describe entry-level red Burgundy red wines
Very light with marked acidity and a hint of oak for structure
What is the risk of Pinot Noir being grown in cooler environments/years?
They may not ripen fully, leading to vegetal notes like cabbage and wet leaves
Where else in Europe is well known for high-quality Pinot Noir?
Baden in Germany
List some regions in the new world which produce high-quality Pinot Noir
- California: Los Carneros and Sonoma
- New Zealand: Martinborough, Marlborough and Central Otago
- Australia: Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Tasmania
- South Africa: Walker Bay
- Chile: Casablanca Valley
What happens to the flavours of Pinot Noir if its climate is too hot?
Flavours become jammy and unattractive