Chapter 13: Principal Black Grape Varieties:

Question 1

What are the key characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon?

Answer 1

High acidity, high tannins, black fruit (blackcurrant, blackberry), herbaceous notes (green bell pepper, mint)

Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its aging potential and complexity in flavor development.

Question 2

What winemaking techniques are commonly used for Cabernet Sauvignon?

Answer 2

Oak aging to add flavors like vanilla, cedar, and toast

Oak aging can also enhance the wine’s structure and longevity.

Question 3

What are the key regions for Cabernet Sauvignon?

Answer 3

Bordeaux (Left Bank), Napa Valley, Coonawarra, Maipo Valley, Stellenbosch

These regions are known for producing high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon with distinct characteristics.

Question 4

What are the key characteristics of Merlot?

Answer 4

Medium acidity, medium tannins, red fruit (plum, cherry), black fruit (blackberry)

Merlot is often considered softer and more approachable than Cabernet Sauvignon.

Question 5

What are the key regions for Merlot?

Answer 5

Bordeaux (Right Bank), California, Chile, South Africa

The Right Bank of Bordeaux is particularly famous for its Merlot-based blends.

Question 6

What style differences exist between cool and warm climate Merlot?

Answer 6

Cool climate: Red fruit (strawberry, plum) and herbal notes; Warm climate: Ripe black fruit (blackberry) and fuller body

Climate significantly influences the flavor profile and structure of Merlot wines.

Question 7

What are the key characteristics of Pinot Noir?

Answer 7

Light body, high acidity, low tannins

Pinot Noir is known for its delicate flavors and is often described as elegant.

Question 8

What are the key characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon?

Answer 8

High acidity, high tannins, black fruit (blackcurrant, blackberry), and herbaceous notes (green bell pepper, mint).

Question 9

What winemaking techniques are commonly used for Cabernet Sauvignon?

Answer 9

Oak aging to add flavors like vanilla, cedar, and toast.

Question 10

What are the key regions for Cabernet Sauvignon?

Answer 10

Bordeaux (Left Bank), Napa Valley, Coonawarra, Maipo Valley, and Stellenbosch.

Question 11

What are the key characteristics of Merlot?

Answer 11

Medium acidity, medium tannins, red fruit (plum, cherry) and black fruit (blackberry).

Question 12

What are the key regions for Merlot?

Answer 12

Bordeaux (Right Bank), California, Chile, and South Africa.

Question 13

What style differences exist between cool and warm climate Merlot?

Answer 13

Cool climate: Red fruit (strawberry, plum) and herbal notes; Warm climate: Ripe black fruit (blackberry) and fuller body.

Question 14

What are the key characteristics of Pinot Noir?

Answer 14

Light body, high acidity, low tannins, with red fruit flavors (strawberry, raspberry, cherry).

Question 15

What are the main regions for Pinot Noir?

Answer 15

Burgundy, Oregon, Central Otago (New Zealand), California (Sonoma, Santa Barbara), and Champagne (as a blend).

Question 16

Why is Pinot Noir considered difficult to grow?

Answer 16

It is thin-skinned, susceptible to rot and disease, and requires cool to moderate climates.

Question 17

What are the key characteristics of Syrah/Shiraz?

Answer 17

Syrah: Medium body, high tannins, black fruit (blackberry), and spice (pepper); Shiraz: Full body, softer tannins, ripe black fruit (plum), and licorice.

Question 18

What are the key regions for Syrah/Shiraz?

Answer 18

Northern Rhône (Syrah), Barossa Valley (Shiraz), and Hunter Valley (Shiraz).

Question 19

What are the key characteristics of Grenache/Garnacha?

Answer 19

Low acidity, low to medium tannins, red fruit (strawberry, raspberry), and spicy notes (white pepper, licorice).

Question 20

Where is Grenache/Garnacha commonly grown?

Answer 20

Southern Rhône (Châteauneuf-du-Pape), Rioja, Priorat, and Australia.

Question 21

What are the key characteristics of Zinfandel/Primitivo?

Answer 21

Medium acidity, high alcohol, with ripe black fruit (blackberry, plum) and dried fruit (raisin).

Question 22

Where is Zinfandel primarily grown?

Answer 22

California.

Question 23

What style of wine is made from late-harvest Zinfandel?

Answer 23

Sweet, high-alcohol wines such as White Zinfandel (rosé).

Question 24

What are the key characteristics of Malbec?

Answer 24

Full body, medium acidity, high tannins, with black fruit (blackberry, plum) and spice (clove, vanilla).

Question 25

Where is Malbec primarily grown?

Answer 25

Mendoza, Argentina.

Question 26

What are the key characteristics of Tempranillo?

Answer 26

Medium acidity, medium tannins, red fruit (strawberry) and black fruit (blackberry), often with oak aging notes (vanilla, spice).

Question 27

What are the key regions for Tempranillo?

Answer 27

Rioja and Ribera del Duero (Spain).

Question 28

What are the key characteristics of Sangiovese?

Answer 28

High acidity, high tannins, with red fruit (cherry, plum) and herbal notes (oregano, thyme).

Question 29

Where is Sangiovese primarily grown?

Answer 29

Tuscany, Italy (e.g., Chianti).

Question 30

What are the key characteristics of Nebbiolo?

Answer 30

High acidity, high tannins, with red fruit (cherry), floral notes (rose), and earthy aromas (mushroom, tar).

Question 31

Where is Nebbiolo primarily grown?

Answer 31

Piedmont, Italy (Barolo, Barbaresco).

Question 32

What are the key characteristics of Gamay?

Answer 32

High acidity, low tannins, with red fruit (strawberry, cherry) and a light body.

Question 33

Where is Gamay primarily grown?

Answer 33

Beaujolais, France.