Chapter 6: Grape Varieties and Their Wines: Flashcards
What are the primary characteristics of Chardonnay in a cool climate?
High acidity, green fruit (apple, pear), citrus, and sometimes wet stone flavors.
What are the primary characteristics of Chardonnay in a warm climate?
Medium acidity, stone fruit (peach, apricot), and tropical fruit (pineapple, mango).
What winemaking techniques are often used for Chardonnay?
Malolactic fermentation, lees aging, and oak aging.
What are the key characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc?
High acidity, herbaceous (grass, asparagus), green fruit (apple, gooseberry), and citrus (lemon, lime).
In which regions is Sauvignon Blanc most commonly grown?
Loire Valley, New Zealand, and Bordeaux.
What are the typical flavor characteristics of Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris?
Pinot Grigio: Light body, high acidity, simple flavors (green apple, lemon).
Pinot Gris: Fuller body, medium acidity, riper fruit (peach, mango).
What are the typical characteristics of Riesling?
High acidity, floral notes, green fruit (apple), citrus, and sometimes stone fruit (peach). Can range from dry to sweet.
Which regions are known for Riesling production?
Germany, Alsace, and Australia.
What are the common characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon?
High acidity, high tannins, black fruit (blackcurrant, blackberry), and herbaceous (mint, green bell pepper).
Which regions are famous for Cabernet Sauvignon?
Bordeaux, Napa Valley, Coonawarra, and Maipo Valley.
What are the primary characteristics of Merlot?
Medium acidity, medium tannins, red fruit (plum, cherry), and black fruit (blackberry).
In which regions is Merlot most commonly found?
Bordeaux, Chile, and California.
What are the characteristics of Pinot Noir?
Light body, high acidity, low tannins, red fruit (strawberry, raspberry, cherry), and sometimes earthy or smoky notes.
Which regions are well-known for Pinot Noir?
Burgundy, Oregon, California, and New Zealand.
What are the key characteristics of Syrah/Shiraz?
Syrah: Medium body, high tannins, black fruit (blackberry), pepper, and earthy notes.
Shiraz: Full body, softer tannins, ripe black fruit (plum), and spice (licorice).
What are the characteristics of Grenache/Garnacha?
Low acidity, low to medium tannins, red fruit (strawberry, raspberry), and spicy notes (white pepper, licorice).
In which regions is Grenache/Garnacha commonly grown?
Southern Rhône, Spain, and Australia.
What are the typical characteristics of Zinfandel/Primitivo?
Medium acidity, high alcohol, ripe black fruit (blackberry, plum), and sometimes raisin and spice flavors.
Where is Zinfandel primarily grown?
California.
What are the characteristics of Malbec?
Full body, medium acidity, high tannins, black fruit (blackberry, plum), and spice (clove).
Which region is most famous for Malbec production?
Mendoza, Argentina.
What are the characteristics of Sangiovese?
High acidity, high tannins, red fruit (cherry, plum), and herbal notes (oregano, thyme).
Which wine region is most associated with Sangiovese?
Tuscany, Italy.
What are the characteristics of Tempranillo?
Medium acidity, medium tannins, red and black fruit (strawberry, blackberry), and sometimes vanilla and spice from oak aging.
Which region is most famous for Tempranillo?
Rioja, Spain.
What are the characteristics of Torrontés?
Aromatic, medium acidity, floral notes, and stone fruit (peach, apricot).
Where is Torrontés primarily grown?
Argentina, particularly in the Cafayate region.
