Chapter 6: Grape Varieties and Their Wines:

Question 1

What are the primary characteristics of Chardonnay in a cool climate?

Answer 1

High acidity, green fruit (apple, pear), citrus, and sometimes wet stone flavors.

Question 2

What are the primary characteristics of Chardonnay in a warm climate?

Answer 2

Medium acidity, stone fruit (peach, apricot), and tropical fruit (pineapple, mango).

Question 3

What winemaking techniques are often used for Chardonnay?

Answer 3

Malolactic fermentation, lees aging, and oak aging.

Question 4

What are the key characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc?

Answer 4

High acidity, herbaceous (grass, asparagus), green fruit (apple, gooseberry), and citrus (lemon, lime).

Question 5

In which regions is Sauvignon Blanc most commonly grown?

Answer 5

Loire Valley, New Zealand, and Bordeaux.

Question 6

What are the typical flavor characteristics of Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris?

Answer 6

Pinot Grigio: Light body, high acidity, simple flavors (green apple, lemon).
Pinot Gris: Fuller body, medium acidity, riper fruit (peach, mango).

Question 7

What are the typical characteristics of Riesling?

Answer 7

High acidity, floral notes, green fruit (apple), citrus, and sometimes stone fruit (peach). Can range from dry to sweet.

Question 8

Which regions are known for Riesling production?

Answer 8

Germany, Alsace, and Australia.

Question 9

What are the common characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon?

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Which regions are famous for Cabernet Sauvignon?

Answer 10

Bordeaux, Napa Valley, Coonawarra, and Maipo Valley.

Question 11

What are the primary characteristics of Merlot?

Answer 11

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

Question 12

In which regions is Merlot most commonly found?

Answer 12

Bordeaux, Chile, and California.

Question 13

What are the characteristics of Pinot Noir?

Answer 13

Light body, high acidity, low tannins, red fruit (strawberry, raspberry, cherry), and sometimes earthy or smoky notes.

Question 14

Which regions are well-known for Pinot Noir?

Answer 14

Burgundy, Oregon, California, and New Zealand.

Question 15

What are the key characteristics of Syrah/Shiraz?

Answer 15

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

Question 16

What are the characteristics of Grenache/Garnacha?

Answer 16

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

Question 17

In which regions is Grenache/Garnacha commonly grown?

Answer 17

Southern Rhône, Spain, and Australia.

Question 18

What are the typical characteristics of Zinfandel/Primitivo?

Answer 18

Medium acidity, high alcohol, ripe black fruit (blackberry, plum), and sometimes raisin and spice flavors.

Question 19

Where is Zinfandel primarily grown?

Answer 19

California.

Question 20

What are the characteristics of Malbec?

Answer 20

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

Question 21

Which region is most famous for Malbec production?

Answer 21

Mendoza, Argentina.

Question 22

What are the characteristics of Sangiovese?

Answer 22

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

Question 23

Which wine region is most associated with Sangiovese?

Answer 23

Tuscany, Italy.

Question 24

What are the characteristics of Tempranillo?

Answer 24

Medium acidity, medium tannins, red and black fruit (strawberry, blackberry), and sometimes vanilla and spice from oak aging.

Question 25

Which region is most famous for Tempranillo?

Answer 25

Rioja, Spain.

Question 26

What are the characteristics of Torrontés?

Answer 26

Aromatic, medium acidity, floral notes, and stone fruit (peach, apricot).

Question 27

Where is Torrontés primarily grown?

Answer 27

Argentina, particularly in the Cafayate region.