Chapter 5: Wine Producing Regions of the World: Flashcards
What are the two main climate types found in Bordeaux?
Moderate maritime and river influence.
What is the most important red grape variety grown on the Left Bank of Bordeaux?
Cabernet Sauvignon.
What are the main grape varieties used in red wines from the Right Bank of Bordeaux?
Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
Which French wine region is famous for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir?
Burgundy.
What are the key grape varieties of the Northern Rhône?
Syrah (red) and Viognier (white).
How does the climate of the Southern Rhône differ from the Northern Rhône?
The Southern Rhône is warmer with a Mediterranean climate, while the Northern Rhône has a cooler, more continental climate.
What grape variety is dominant in Barolo and Barbaresco wines from Italy?
Nebbiolo.
What are the key grape varieties in Rioja wines from Spain?
Tempranillo and Garnacha (Grenache).
What is the primary grape variety used in German Riesling wines?
Riesling.
What style of wine is Sauternes in Bordeaux known for?
Sweet wines made from botrytized (Noble Rot) grapes.
What are the most prominent grape varieties grown in Napa Valley?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot.
Which country is known for producing wines from Malbec in the Mendoza region?
Argentina.
What grape variety is New Zealand’s Marlborough region best known for?
Sauvignon Blanc.
What are the two key wine regions of South Africa?
Stellenbosch and Paarl.
What is the primary grape variety used in Argentina’s Torrontés wines?
Torrontés.
What is the dominant grape variety in Champagne?
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier (blends of all three are common).
How does the Mediterranean climate influence wines in regions like Southern France and Tuscany?
It provides warm, dry summers and mild winters, resulting in ripe, full-bodied wines with lower acidity.
What makes the soils of Burgundy unique for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir?
Limestone-rich soils, which contribute to the structure and minerality of the wines.
What are the main features of Australian Shiraz compared to Northern Rhône Syrah?
Australian Shiraz is typically fuller-bodied, with riper fruit flavors like blackberry and plum, and often has pronounced oak influence.
What grape variety is most associated with Beaujolais wines?
Gamay.
What is the difference between Cava and Prosecco?
Cava is made using the traditional method (like Champagne) and is from Spain, while Prosecco is made using the tank method and is from Italy.
What does ‘Noble Rot’ mean, and how does it influence sweet wines?
Noble Rot is caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea, which concentrates sugars and acids, producing rich, sweet wines.
Which sparkling wine production method is used in Champagne?
The traditional method (Méthode Champenoise).
What is the importance of the Maipo Valley in Chilean wine production?
It is a key region for premium Cabernet Sauvignon.
What does the term ‘Reserva’ indicate on a Spanish wine label?
Wines that have been aged longer than standard wines, typically at least 3 years, including at least 1 year in oak barrels.
