Ch. 3 - Grape Varieties

Question 1

Which American root-stocks are used for grafting in Europe?

Answer 1

• Vitis labrusca
• Vitis riparia
• Vitis aestivalis
• Vitis rupestris

Question 2

What is a vine species?

Answer 2

A species is a scientific grouping of plants or animals that are genetically similar, have broad characteristics in common, and can produce viable offspring through sexual reproduction. Grapevine species include vinifera and labrusca.

Question 3

What is a variety?

Answer 3

A variety is a subspecies. In winegrowing, a variety is an identifiable group of vines of the same species that share many characteristics of appearance, flavor, and growth. For example, Chardonnay and Syrah are varieties of vinifera.

Question 4

What is a clone?

Answer 4

In commercial viticulture, virtually all grape varieties are propagated by asexual means and can therefore be considered clones, or perfect copies of the parent grape.

Question 5

What is a mutation?

Answer 5

A mutation is derived from a vine that has
developed different characteristics from its parents
or fellow clones through imperfect reproduction
of cells as it grows. This is a natural but slow
development that can lead to a new type of grape. Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris, for example,
are considered to be mutant strains of Pinot Noir.

Question 6

What is a cross or a crossing?

Answer 6

A cross is the offspring of sexual reproduction
between different subspecies within the same
species. An example is Cabernet Sauvignon,
which has been shown to be a cross between
Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc.

Question 7

What is a hybrid?

Answer 7

A hybrid is the result of sexual reproduction
between two closely related but different species,
such as Vitis vinifera and Vitis labrusca.

Question 8

Name a few popular hybrids used in wine-making.

Answer 8

• Seyval Blanc
• Vidal Blanc
• Baco Noir

Question 9

What are autochthonous grape varieties?

Answer 9

The term autochthonous, a more technical term, refers to indigenous grapes that are the result of natural crossbreeding or natural mutation in a specific area.

Question 10

What is the difference between “green” grapes & “green grapes”?

Answer 10

Do not confuse “green” grapes with the term “green grapes,” which usually refers to under ripe grapes rather than to their actual color.

Question 11

Which region is chardonnay indigenous to? What type of soil does it prefer?

Answer 11

Chardonnay is thought to be indigenous to Burgundy and prefers limestone soils.

Question 12

What characteristics does chardonnay planted in warm climates show?

Answer 12

Chardonnay planted in warmer climates will generally have ripe, tropical fruit flavors and will produce wines with high alcohol and considerable body.

Question 13

What characteristics does chardonnay planted in cool climates show?

Answer 13

Chardonnay planted in cooler climates will tend to have citrus flavors and green fruit aromas and will produce wines with crisp acidity and a light to medium body.

Question 14

Which are the top-producing countries for chardonnay?

Answer 14

France, United States, Australia

Question 15

Name the major flavor characteristics of a chardonnay.

Answer 15

• Green apple, melon, pears (cool climate);
• Tropical fruit (warm climate);
• Butter (malolactic fermentation);
• Vanilla, butterscotch, caramel, toast (oak-aged).

Question 16

What styles of wines can be produced from Chenin Blanc?

Answer 16

Wines at all sweetness levels, from dry to very sweet, in either still or sparkling versions can be produced from Chenin Blanc.

Question 17

What is the local name for Chenin Blanc in South Africa?

Answer 17

Chenin Blanc is locally known as Steen.
Chenin Blanc is the most widely planted grape variety in South Africa, representing 18% of all plantings. In fact, there is twice as much Chenin Blanc in South Africa as there is in France.

Question 18

Which are the top-producing countries for chenin blanc?

Answer 18

South Africa, France & United States.

Question 19

Name the major flavor characteristics of a Chenin Blanc.

Answer 19

Green apple, melon, green plum, citrus blossoms, earth, mineral, wet wool;
Honey and quince (aged)

Question 20

Name a few mutations of Muscat.

Answer 20

• Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains (“white Muscat with small berries”)
• Muscat of Alexandria
• Muscat Ottonel.

Question 21

Which are the top-producing countries for Muscat?

Answer 21

Italy, France, Chile & Australia.

Question 22

Name the major flavor characteristics of a Muscat.

Answer 22

Musk, honey, orange blossom, floral, apricot, table grapes.

Question 23

Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are mutations of which grape? Where did it originate from?

Answer 23

Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are two well-known names for the same grape variety, which developed as a mutation of Pinot Noir in the Burgundy area of France.

Question 24

What is the name for Pinot Gris in Germany?

Answer 24

Rulander or Grauburgunder

Question 25

Which are the top-producing countries for Pinot Gris/Grigio?

Answer 25

Italy, United States, Germany, France & Australia

Question 26

Name the major flavor characteristics of a Pinot Gris/Grigio.

Answer 26

Apple, lemon, melon, peach, minerals, almond.

Question 27

Which country is Riesling indigenous to?

Answer 27

Riesling is indigenous to Germany and, because of

its ability to withstand cold weather.

Question 28

Are rieslings oaked?

Answer 28

Rarely

Question 29

What is White Riesling?

Answer 29

White Riesling is a synonym for True Riesling in the US.

Question 30

What is Missouri Riesling?

Answer 30

Missouri Riesling is an indigenous American grape and

Question 31

Which are the top-producing countries for Riesling?

Answer 31

Germany, Australia, France, United States

Question 32

Name the major flavor characteristics of a Riesling.

Answer 32

lime, peach, nectarine, apricot, honeysuckle, wet stone, petrol/kerosene (depending upon ripeness and bottle age); 
baking spices (well aged)

Question 33

Which country is Sauvignon Blanc native to?

Answer 33

Sauvignon Blanc is native to France, where it achieved its reputation in the Loire Valley and Bordeaux.

Question 34

What are the characteristics of a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc?

Answer 34

New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs have a distinct herbal character and fruit-forward flavors of grapefruit and tropical fruit.

Question 35

Who coined the term “Fume Blanc”?

Answer 35

A pronounced style of oaked Sauvignon Blanc was created by California winemaker Robert Mondavi in the 1960s called “Fume Blanc”.

Question 36

Which are the top-producing countries for Sauvignon Blanc?

Answer 36

France, New Zealand, Chile, United States, South Africa.

Question 37

Name the major flavor characteristics of a Sauvignon Blanc.

Answer 37

Grass, hay, grapefruit, green pepper (cool climate); Asparagus, melon (warm climate);
Flint (Loire);
Gooseberry (New Zealand);
Toast, smoke (oak-aged).

Question 38

Who are the blending partners for Semillon?

Answer 38

France - Sauvignon Blanc

Australia - Chardonnay

Question 39

Name the major flavor characteristics of a Semillon.

Answer 39

Semillon has a distinct waxy or oily character on the palate and typically shows aromas of citrus (lemon, yellow grapefruit), flowers (honeysuckle, lemon blossom) and tree fruit (peach, pear, or green apple).

Question 40

Name a region famous for making 100% Semillon.

Answer 40

Hunter Valley - Australia

Question 41

Which are the top-producing countries for Viognier?

Answer 41

Australia, California, South America, Texas, and the East Coast of the United States.

Question 42

Which region has declared Viognier as the signature grape variety of the region?

Answer 42

The Virginia Wine Board declared Viognier to be the state’s signature grape variety.

Question 43

What are the synonyms for Pinot Blanc?

Answer 43

Italy - Pinot Bianco

Germany & Austria - Weissburgunder

Question 44

How does Pinot Blanc differ from Pinot Gris?

Answer 44

Pinot Blanc is similar in many ways to Pinot Gris, and depending on the specific clone and the growing conditions, the two can be difficult to tell apart. However, Pinot Blanc is generally lighter on the palate and more exotic in its aromas than Pinot Gris.

Question 45

Name the major flavor characteristics of a Gewurztraminer.

Answer 45

Gewiirztraminer is one of the most aromatic of
the white grape varieties, with a unique perfume
of flowers, spice, lychee, and rose.