Classic Whites

Question 1

What is a classic variety?

Answer 1

1) considerable quality over long time

2) Done so in more than one place.

Question 2

Chardonnay

Answer 2

TN: Cooler climate crisp, high acid. Warmer = tropical fruit
SR: Historically, Cote d’Or (BURGUNDY) Chablis* more crisp, high acid. “Rite of passage” varietal to enter wine scene.
Misc: both oak fermented and aged, expressive of terroir.

Question 3

5 Classic Whites:

Answer 3

1) chardonnay
2) chenin blanc
3) riesling
4) sauvignon blanc
5) semillon

Question 4

Chenin Blanc

Answer 4

TN: Soft, round flavors of pears, melons, apricots, peaches.
SR: Loire (VOUVRAY & SAVENNIERES)
Leading white grape of South Africa (known as steen).
Slight residual sugars.

Question 5

Riesling

Answer 5

Char: Noble and unique. Soaring acidity and extract, yet light in body and alcohol (~8%).
TN: White fruit, minerals.
SR: Alsace, N. Austria, NY

Question 6

Sauvignon Blanc

Answer 6

Polar opposite of Chardonnay (taut, lithe, herbal, sharp acidity in center)
TN: Straw, hay, grass, gunflint, cat pee
Reg: Loire (Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé), New Zealand
Virtually all Bordeaux whites = SB + Sem.

Question 7

Semillon

Answer 7

TN: Cottony, honeyed with age, blended with SB.
(Dry Bordeaux whites, SAUTERNES )
Thin skin –> botrytization