Chapter 9 - Chenin Blanc, Semillon, and Furmint Flashcards
Describe Chenin Blanc’s styles throughout climates
Can grow from cool through warm climates.
Green fruit/citrus to stone fruit and tropical fruit.
Can be aged.
Why is Chenin Blanc suitable for late harvest?
It’s naturally high levels of acidity and is susceptible to noble rot
What countries is Chenin Blanc notably grown in?
France, South Africa
Where is Chenin Blanc notably grown in France?
Vouvray AOC
Where is Chenin Blanc notably grown in South Africa?
It is widely planted in South Africa, no notable regions listed.
How is French Chenin Blanc from _______, France described?
(only variety permitted in Vouvray)
Vouvray; Produced in wide range. Dry, off-dry, medium, sweet, and sparkling. Drier styles often fresh apple flavors. Sweeter often from extra-ripe or notble rot, with stone fruit/tropical aromas.
All are typically unoaked to retain fresh fruit characteristics.
How is South African Chenin Blanc described?
(most widely planted white in SA)
inexpensive high volume can come from warmer inland to blend (ex. Chardonnay). Often dry, med bodied: peach, pineapple and sometimes vanilla from oak chips/staves
Old vine can produce high quality with tropical fruit and smoke/vanilla from oak maturation. Experimenting with Viognier blending for refreshing floral styles.
Describe Semillon
White variety, growing primarily in moderate to warm climate.
Young-apple, lemon, grass
Med-high acid. Light-full body.
In what countries is Semillon notably grown?
France and Australia
Where is Semillon notably grown in France?
Bordeaux AOC - Sauternes AOC
Describe Bordeaux AOC Semillon
Commonly blended with Sauv Blanc to make dry and sweet wines. Semillon can provide body and aging potential. Good/outstanding wines matured in oak and can develop in bottle for many years
Describe Sauternes AOC Semillon
Small sub-region of Bordeaux. Sweet white made from noble rot grapes. Sweet, med-high alcohol, full bodied with balancing high acidity. Stonefruit (apricot) and oak (smoke/vanilla)
Often outstanding. Can mature for many years, tertiary (dry fruit, honey, caramel)
Where is Semillon notably grown in Australia? How is it made?
Hunter Valley - Barossa Valley
Often blended with Sauv Blanc and used in production of sweet noble rot wine. Also dry wines.
Describe Hunter Valley Semillon
Distinctive dry single varietal, light body low alcohol. Warm climate, early harvest. Inert vessels, bottled young. Aged for years, matures from neutral flavors to honey/nuts.
Describe Barossa Valley Semillon
Multiple styles ranging from Hunter Valley style (early harvest, low alcohol, tertiary flavors) to full bodied and oak matured.
