Class 1: Introduction to Sensory Development Flashcards
HOST 9112 Sensory Development and Wine Styles
What does “cowboying” the wine mean?
Stating what varietal the wine is on the spur of the moment
Not examining the wine systematically and drawing logical conclusions.
What is a “bossy” wine?
A “bossy” wine is a wine that has an overwhelming aroma on the first passthrough, making it difficult to identify other flavours.
What are lateral grapes?
Lateral grapes are grapes that have similar characteristics and qualities, and could be mistaken for each other
Give an example of a lateral grape to Pinot Noir.
Gamay
Does tropical fruit on the nose indicate ageing?
No. Tropical fruit can be primary aromas. There are sour tropical fruits such as pineapple. Lychee can also be considered a fresh fruit and not aged.
Name 2 effects that lees can have on a wine.
“Tackiness” on the palate
Flavours and aromas
Can acids mask sugar?
Yes.
Must a wine consist of 100% botrytised grapes?
No. A wine can contain a small percentage of botrytised grapes, and contribute residual sugar, making it off-dry.
Do flavour and sugar develop simultaneously?
No. Flavour development lags behind sugar development.
Name 2 factors that make grape skins thicker, which can lead to more flavour, tannins and colour.
1) Wind
2) UV light
In CAPS, most red wines will be be:
1) Neutral
2) Semi-aromatic
3) Perfumed
Semi-aromatic
How many g/L will bone dry wine have?
< 2g/L
How many g/L dry wine have?
2 - 10 g/L
How many g/L will off-dry wine have?
11-20 g/L
How many g/L will medium-sweet wine have?
20-40 g/L
How many g/L will sweet wine have?
40-160 g/L
What are the 4 levels of opacity when describing wine?
1) Clear
2) Hazy
3) Semi-opaque
4) Opaque
What are “Other” visual characteristics in the tasting notes when describing a wine?
1) Sediment
2) CO2
3) Colour shift
Traditionally, Old World wines were fruity on the palate but “pulled back” on the palate, with more acid. True or false?
True - Old World wines were fruity on the nose and less fruity on the palate.
Traditionally, New World wines were fruity on the palate and did not “pull back” on the palate: true or false?
True - New World wines were fruity on both the nose and the palate. However, this is starting to change.
Wine levels in Europe were strict in part to preserve the culture. True or false?
True
Describe the complexity to music analogy when describing wine.
A less complex wine will have a simple tune played by one person. A complex wine will be the fully symphony. Each is good, and each has a place. You can’t go to the symphony every night.
What does the term “harmonization” mean?
Harmonizing is similar to matching. For example, higher acid in wine can harmonize with higher acid in tomato sauce.
