Carmenère, Malbec, Pinotage

Question 1

Which country is most identified with Carmenère?

Answer 1

Chile

Question 2

Which country is most identifed with Malbec?

Answer 2

Argentina

Question 3

Which country is most identified with Pinotage?

Answer 3

South Africa

Question 4

Fill in the blank:

One of the parent grapes of Pinotage is _____.

Answer 4

Pinot Noir

The other parent grape is Cinsault.

Question 5

Pinotage is predominantly grown in which South African wine region?

Answer 5

Western Cape

Question 6

Describe the character profile of Pinotage.

Answer 6

• Dry
• Medium to full body
• Medium tannin
• High acidity
• Bright red fruits (strawberry, red cherry, red licorice, crunchy raspberry)
• May or may not have oak influence

Question 7

With which grapes is Pinotage usually blended with?

Answer 7

• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Merlot

Question 8

Fill in the blank:

The term used in South Africa for blended wines of Pinotage, Merlot and/or Cabernet Sauvignon is _____.

Answer 8

Cape Blend

Question 9

From which Old World region do Malbec and Carmenère originate?

Answer 9

Southwest France

In SW France these grapes are typically blended with other local grape varieties.

Question 10

Which region in Argentina has the highest density Malbec plantings?

Answer 10

Mendoza

Question 11

Is Mendoza at sea level or higher in elevation?

Answer 11

Higher in elevation

This creates optimal growing conditions for the sun-loving Malbec grape: warm days, cool nights.

Question 12

When Malbec is blended in Argentina, which grapes is it usually blended with?

Answer 12

• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Merlot

Question 13

Describe the profile of Argentinean Malbec.

Answer 13

• Dry
• Full body
• High tannin
• Medium acidity
• Concentrated black fruits
• If oak matured, flavors of vanilla, clove, coffee
• If aged, flavors of dried black fruit and cured meat
• Intensely dark in color, almost purple

Question 14

Where in Chile are the highest density plantings of Carmenère?

Answer 14

The warm and sunny areas of Central Valley.

Carmenère needs a lot of warmth and sunshine to fully ripen, which is why it performs better in Chile than it does in Bordeaux.

Question 15

What are some of the unpleasant aromas/flavors of underripe Carmenère?

Answer 15

• Raw green bell pepper
• Tomato leaf
• Generally very herbaceous/not particularly fruity

Question 16

Describe the profile of ripe Carmenère.

Answer 16

• Dry
• Full body
• High tannin
• Medium to high acidity
• Black fruits (dark plum, blackberry, black raspberry)
• Herbal (eucalyptus)
• If oak matured, notes of coffee, chocolate, mocha

Question 17

When Carmenère is blended in Chile, which grapes is it usually blended with?

Answer 17

• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Merlot