Chardonnay Flashcards
What is the visual descriptor of Chablis?
Pale straw/straw with hints of green, moderate concentration
Chablis typically has a light color that can indicate freshness.
What are the primary aromas/flavors found in Chablis?
Moderate intensity with tart to just-ripe tree fruit, citrus, and sulfuric notes
Key fruits include green apple, yellow apple, green pear, and lemon.
Which sulfuric note is often noted in young Chablis?
Flint, burnt match, slight cabbage
These notes can contribute to the wine’s complexity.
What oxidative notes may be present if neutral barrels are used in Chablis?
Hazelnut, almond, cheese rind
Neutral barrels can impart subtle flavors without overwhelming the fruit.
What lees notes are associated with Chablis?
Crème fraîche/sour cream
These notes add a creamy texture to the wine.
What floral notes can be found in Chablis?
Faint white flowers, apple blossoms, hawthorne, acacia
These floral aromas enhance the wine’s aromatic profile.
What earthy characteristics are typical of Chablis?
High minerality, stony, chalk, saline/seaspray, oyster shell, button mushroom
The terroir of Chablis contributes significantly to its mineral character.
What type of oak is typically used in Chablis production?
None or neutral barrel
This approach preserves the wine’s fresh and fruity character.
What is the structure of Chablis in terms of dryness and acidity?
Bone dry to dry, moderate to moderate-plus body, elevated to high acidity, moderate alcohol
The high acidity makes Chablis a refreshing wine.
What is the visual descriptor of California (Oak-Driven) wine?
Yellow/pale gold, moderate-plus concentration
What are the primary fruit aromas/flavors found in California (Oak-Driven) wine?
- Ripe tree fruits (yellow apple, baked pear)
- Ripe citrus (Meyer lemon)
- Ripe apricot
- Tropical fruits (ripe pineapple, mango)
- Melon
Which floral notes are associated with California (Oak-Driven) wine?
- White flowers
- Apple blossoms
- Honeysuckle
What oxidative notes can be detected in California (Oak-Driven) wine?
- Hazelnut
- Almond
Which malolactic notes are present in California (Oak-Driven) wine?
- Butter
- Popcorn
What lees notes are characteristic of California (Oak-Driven) wine?
- Yogurt
- Crème fraiche/sour cream
What are the other flavor notes found in California (Oak-Driven) wine?
Sweet/canned corn
What is the earth descriptor for California (Oak-Driven) wine?
Low minerality, slight limestone
What is the oak usage in California (Oak-Driven) wine?
Moderate to high use of new French oak
List some flavor notes associated with oak in California (Oak-Driven) wine.
- Toffee
- Salted caramel
- Butterscotch
- Sweet baking spices
- Vanilla
- Pie crust
- Toast
What is the structure of California (Oak-Driven) wine?
- Dry (may have slight residual sugar)
- Moderate-plus to full body
- Moderate acidity
- Elevated alcohol
