Class Questions Flashcards by Darrion Sterling

name two religious orders that were prominent in the middle ages, for their written advancement of winemaking and grape growing

Benedictine monks
-made ‘best wine’
-kept detailed records
Cistercian Monks
-founded important wines

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what happened in the late 19th century that caused the need for replanting almost all European vinyards

Phylloxera, from travelers. a root-eating pest

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between what two degrees of latitude is generally considered to be the best for grape growing

30-50N, 30-50S

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what is a veraison and, in the northern hemisphere, when does it normally happen?

is a grape turning from green-purple. the change of colour happens end of summer/start of fall

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in the process of alc fermentation, what is the main difference between red and white wine making

white must be bottled faster to avoid oxidization. less time with skins/stems of grape.

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what is the main objective of the malolactic fermentation?

reduce the acidity/ total acidity reduced. turns malic acid to lactic acid, which gives buttery texture (dairy based)

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Cabernet Sauvignon is said to have what fruits as part of its flavour profile

‘Blackfruit”
1 blackcurrent
2 black cherry
3 blackberry

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in what 3 major wine regions is Cabernet Sauv most noted?

Bordeux France
California, nappa valley USA
Australia

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What feature of the grape makes Cabernet sauv. a good candidate for ageing?

Thick Skins (tannins), late harvest (needs long growing season to develop complexity it is capable of)

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Does Pinot Noir typically express the same colour intensity as Cabernet Sauv.? Why or Why Not?

No, less time w/ skins

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Why is Pinot Noir so difficult a grape to define?

Reflection of where it is grown, terroir biggest impact

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to what is Pino Noir most susceptible?

fungal disease

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What part of the fermentation process is inhibited after the alcoholic fermentation?

MLF

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What important feature of Gewurztraminer is evident in its appearance?

viscous, golden hue

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what soil in Germany gives Riesling its greatest expression?

Slate (gives a lot of minerality). Chardonnay also great example of grape that loves slate

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what feature of Riesling makes it a good white grape for ageing?

Acidity

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3 basic wine features that help ageing

1 acidity
2 alcohol
3 tannin

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what are the 1st and second most planted grape varieties?

Cabernet Sauvignon
Chardonnay

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what is the synonym for pinot gris in italy?

pino grigio

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what flowering tree is said to be part of pinot gris flavour profile

orange blossom

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how are the aromatic features of Muscat maintained during fermentation? (same for ALL gewurtz,riesling, muscat and pino gris)

keeping it cool

what type of climate does Muscat enjoy the most

sunny, hot, dry

to what fungus is Sauvignon very susceptible

botrytis

sauvignon blanc is blended with this grape to produce sauternes

semillon

which berry is often associated with the aroma of sauvignon blanc?

gooseberry *when grape is green

which ageing technique causes chardonnay to develop 'toast' characteristics

oak barrel ageing *sometimes

what important feature of chardonnay grape makes it widely used

1. early budding/early harvesting 2. high yield 3. versatile (strong varietal, does not die easily from cold & easy to grow)

name two fruit profile of chardonnay

apple pear

name three important conditions that must be carefully monitored in a wine cellar

1. constant temp; very high temp can cook/preage wine/push cork out 2. low light; light will increase the rate of chemistry 3. humidity; mold/mildew can develop/ cork can shrink 4. vibration; impacts chemistry ***more chemistry=more ageing

Temperature, Lighting, Humidity, and Vibrations can have adverse affects on wine, explain why

all can affect the chemistry of the wine, more chemistry = more ageing.

what features of Merlot give it softness on the palate?

1. lower tannin b/c thinner skin 2. balanced acidity level

Merlot has a lower ageing potential than Cabernet Sauvignon. Why?

thinner skin = less tannin merlot's thinner skin means that is has less tannin, merlot also has less acidity meaning less preserving affects

Name the traditional Beaujolais vinification technique for Gamay and explain its effect on the flavour and structure of the wine

Carbonic Masceration -gives less tannin, more acidic, gives candied flavours (bubble gum, cotton candy)

what is traditional purpose of Cabernet Franc in Bordeaux?

to blend w/ cabernet sauvignon, helps it and Merlot with structure

what is the ageing system called that is used in the production of sherry?

solera system

name the grape variety used in the production of fino sherry

palomino

at what point in the fermentation process is port fortified? what is the end result?

during fermentation, end result adds sweetness to wine

state the two different ways in which port is aged

1. in the barrel 2. in the bottle

name the basic levels of sweetness from driest to sweetest on French wine labels

brut - demi sec doux - sweet

discuss the difference between the Charmat and Transfer methods

transfer - 2nd fermentation in the bottle, then clumped into a pressurized tank to filter the lees Charmat method - 2nd fermentation takes place in the tank, is then and then bottle

name the three grape varieties allowed in the production of champagne

1. chardonnay 2. pino noir 3. pino meunier

what method of production is used to making Spanish Cava

Traditional (same method as champagne)

name 3 ways in which a producer MIGHT label a wine

region grape variety brand

what two items must be on every wine bottle, by international law

product type, alcohol level,volume

give 4 responsibilities of a sommelier may have in a restaurant, outside of service

staff training design and maintence of wine list

what is an appropriate temp for serving a big tannic red wine

16-18deg C * med bodies 13-16 C *light bodies 8-12deg C

what primarily grape variety is used in the production of Sauternes?

semilon

The term "Brut" on a Champagne label indicates that the wine is

dry

The “Traditional Method” is the winemaking method key to the style of sparkling wine created in Champagne, what are the steps

1.Grapes are harvested and gently pressed to create a base wine. ... 2.Blending. ... 3.Secondary Fermentation. 4. Riddling. ... 5. Disgorgement & Final 6.Bottling.

"_____" refers to a method of winemaking in Italy where grapes are dried after harvest, concentrating the sugars and resulting in sweet, dessert-style wines.

Passito

what regions is known for producing high-quality Syrah-based wines?

Northern Rhône (France): This region is considered the birthplace of Syrah and produces some of the most revered Syrah wines, particularly in appellations like Côte-Rôtie and Cornas