Ch. 3 - Grape Varieties Flashcards
Which American root-stocks are used for grafting in Europe?
- Vitis labrusca
- Vitis riparia
- Vitis aestivalis
- Vitis rupestris
What is a vine species?
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.
What is a variety?
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.
What is a clone?
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.
What is a mutation?
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.
What is a cross or a crossing?
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.
What is a hybrid?
A hybrid is the result of sexual reproduction
between two closely related but different species,
such as Vitis vinifera and Vitis labrusca.
Name a few popular hybrids used in wine-making.
- Seyval Blanc
- Vidal Blanc
- Baco Noir
What are autochthonous grape varieties?
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.
What is the difference between “green” grapes & “green grapes”?
Do not confuse “green” grapes with the term “green grapes,” which usually refers to under ripe grapes rather than to their actual color.
Which region is chardonnay indigenous to? What type of soil does it prefer?
Chardonnay is thought to be indigenous to Burgundy and prefers limestone soils.
What characteristics does chardonnay planted in warm climates show?
Chardonnay planted in warmer climates will generally have ripe, tropical fruit flavors and will produce wines with high alcohol and considerable body.
What characteristics does chardonnay planted in cool climates show?
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.
Which are the top-producing countries for chardonnay?
France, United States, Australia
Name the major flavor characteristics of a chardonnay.
- Green apple, melon, pears (cool climate);
- Tropical fruit (warm climate);
- Butter (malolactic fermentation);
- Vanilla, butterscotch, caramel, toast (oak-aged).
What styles of wines can be produced from Chenin Blanc?
Wines at all sweetness levels, from dry to very sweet, in either still or sparkling versions can be produced from Chenin Blanc.
What is the local name for Chenin Blanc in South Africa?
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.
Which are the top-producing countries for chenin blanc?
South Africa, France & United States.
Name the major flavor characteristics of a Chenin Blanc.
Green apple, melon, green plum, citrus blossoms, earth, mineral, wet wool;
Honey and quince (aged)
Name a few mutations of Muscat.
- Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains (“white Muscat with small berries”)
- Muscat of Alexandria
- Muscat Ottonel.
Which are the top-producing countries for Muscat?
Italy, France, Chile & Australia.
Name the major flavor characteristics of a Muscat.
Musk, honey, orange blossom, floral, apricot, table grapes.
Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are mutations of which grape? Where did it originate from?
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.
What is the name for Pinot Gris in Germany?
Rulander or Grauburgunder
Which are the top-producing countries for Pinot Gris/Grigio?
Italy, United States, Germany, France & Australia
Name the major flavor characteristics of a Pinot Gris/Grigio.
Apple, lemon, melon, peach, minerals, almond.
Which country is Riesling indigenous to?
Riesling is indigenous to Germany and, because of
its ability to withstand cold weather.
Are rieslings oaked?
Rarely
What is White Riesling?
White Riesling is a synonym for True Riesling in the US.
What is Missouri Riesling?
Missouri Riesling is an indigenous American grape and
Which are the top-producing countries for Riesling?
Germany, Australia, France, United States
Name the major flavor characteristics of a Riesling.
lime, peach, nectarine, apricot, honeysuckle, wet stone, petrol/kerosene (depending upon ripeness and bottle age); baking spices (well aged)
Which country is Sauvignon Blanc native to?
Sauvignon Blanc is native to France, where it achieved its reputation in the Loire Valley and Bordeaux.
What are the characteristics of a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc?
New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs have a distinct herbal character and fruit-forward flavors of grapefruit and tropical fruit.
Who coined the term “Fume Blanc”?
A pronounced style of oaked Sauvignon Blanc was created by California winemaker Robert Mondavi in the 1960s called “Fume Blanc”.
Which are the top-producing countries for Sauvignon Blanc?
France, New Zealand, Chile, United States, South Africa.
Name the major flavor characteristics of a Sauvignon Blanc.
Grass, hay, grapefruit, green pepper (cool climate); Asparagus, melon (warm climate);
Flint (Loire);
Gooseberry (New Zealand);
Toast, smoke (oak-aged).
Who are the blending partners for Semillon?
France - Sauvignon Blanc
Australia - Chardonnay
Name the major flavor characteristics of a Semillon.
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).
Name a region famous for making 100% Semillon.
Hunter Valley - Australia
Which are the top-producing countries for Viognier?
Australia, California, South America, Texas, and the East Coast of the United States.
Which region has declared Viognier as the signature grape variety of the region?
The Virginia Wine Board declared Viognier to be the state’s signature grape variety.
What are the synonyms for Pinot Blanc?
Italy - Pinot Bianco
Germany & Austria - Weissburgunder
How does Pinot Blanc differ from Pinot Gris?
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.
Name the major flavor characteristics of a Gewurztraminer.
Gewiirztraminer is one of the most aromatic of
the white grape varieties, with a unique perfume
of flowers, spice, lychee, and rose.
