Commercially Significant White Cultivars Flashcards
Popular Chardonnay Synonyms
Beaunois (Chablis)
Gelber Weissburgunder (NE Italy)
Morillon (Austria)
Where is Chardonnay from?
Its home is Burgundy, France
What factors contribute to the success of Chardonnay’s global spread?
It can grow in diverse soils and climates
It can produce high yields, though controlling yield improves quality
It retains a varietal identity despite various flavor-modifying techniques during vinification
Why is Chardonnay a risky cultivar to plant in cool climates? Why is it suitable in such regions?
Chardonnay is early budding and early ripening. It is susceptible to spring frosts but can ripen in short growing seasons.
What are hazards to Chardonnay?
Susceptible to powdery mildew and grapevine yellows
Prone to grey rot due to its thin skins and small, compact grape clusters
What types of wines are produced with Chardonnay?
Still varietal wines. Premium wines are rarely blended
Sparkling varietals and blends with P. Noir and Meunier, popularized by Champagne
Blends with Welschriesling for Austrian botrytized wines
Inexpensive blends with Semillon, Viognier, and local varieties
What is the structure of Chardonnay?
High extract
High alcohol in all but the coolest climates
Modest acidity in the main, but refreshing from cool climates
Chardonnay Profile
Cool Climate
Green and Citrus Fruit
High Acid
Dry
Chardonnay Profile
Moderate Climate
Citrus and Stone/Melon Fruit
Medium/High Acid
Dry
Chardonnay Profile
Hot Climate
Tropical Fruit (Pineapple, Banana)
Medium Acid
Dry
Chardonnay Profile
Malolactic Flavors
Cream
Butter
Butterscotch
Hazelnut
Chardonnay Profile
Oak Flavors
Vanillin
Toast
Nut
Coconut
Coffee
Chardonnay Profile
Lees Flavors
Yogurt
Creaminess
Savoriness
Chardonnay Profile
Autolytic Flavors
Bread
Toast
Biscuit
What vinification techniques are used to add or alter flavors, texture, and structure to Chardonnay?
Malolactic fermentation
Oak fermentation, aging, or chips
Lees contact
Why is Chardonnay ideal for sparkling wines?
Supplies acidity
Elegant, light body
Citrus and green fruit
Popular Chenin Blanc Synonyms
Steen (South Africa)
What genetic relationships does Chenin Blanc with other cultivars?
Sauvignon Blanc (Sibling)
Savagnin (Parent)
What genetic relationships does Chardonnay with other cultivars?
Gouais Blanc (Parent)
Pinot (Parent)
Where is Chenin Blanc from?
Its home is the Loire Valley, France
South Africa is producing wines of increasing quality
What types of wine are produced with Chenin Blanc?
Loire Valley
Sparkling and still wines, dry to luscious and bortytic
South Africa
Varietal, previously used as a bulk blending grape
What are the viticultural characteristics of Chardonnay?
Early Budding
Early Ripening
Susceptible to powdery mildew and grapevine yellows
Prone to grey rot due to its thin skins and small, compact grape clusters
What are the viticultural characteristics of Chenin Blanc?
Early Budding
Mid Ripening
Vigorous
Attracts Noble Rot
Susceptible to Downy Mildew, Powdery Mildew, and Grey Rot
What are some risks that face Chenin Blanc when the grapes are ripening?
A mid ripening varietal, the thick skins of Chenin Blanc take time to fully ripen.
It attracts Noble Rot which is undesirable for some styles of wine.
Some clones have compact bunches that increase the risk of Grey Rot due to rain.
What is the structure of Chenin Blanc?
High Acidity
Thick Skins
How does the thick skins of Chenin Blanc affect the styles of wine produced?
It takes time for the skins to fully ripen, so potential alcohol levels can reach high levels.
Unripe skins impart slightly bitter, phenolic notes
What vinification methods are being experimented with in the Loire Valley on Chenin Blanc? How is it being reveived?
Partial use of new oak on dry, still wines.
It is gaining much acclaim.
Chenin Blanc Profile
Cool Climate/Early Harvest
Green Apple
Leafy/Vegetal
High Acid`
Chenin Blanc Profile
Moderate Climate
Citrus and Stone Fruit
High Acid
Chenin Blanc Profile
Late Harvest, Botrytis, Age, and Other Flavors
Late Harvest
Tropical and Dried Fruit
Botrytis
Honey
Age
Toast, Honey
Other
Chalk, Steeliness
What are some positive characteristics of Chardonnay?
High Quality Potential
Well Recognized
High Demand
Ripens in a wide range of climates and soils, producing a wide range of styles
Expresses Terroir
Hardy
High yields with little loss of quality
What are some positive characteristics of Chenin Blanc?
High Quality Potential
Retains acidity at high ripeness levels
Susceptible to noble rot
Wines age well
What are some negative characteristics of Chardonnay?
Prone to Grey Rot
What are some negative characteristics of Chenin Blanc?
Ripens unevenly, requiring harvest in tries (multiple passes through the vineyard)
Underappreciated and unfashionable
What is the full name of Muscat Blanc?
Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains
What are the important Muscat cultivars?
Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat Ottonel
Popular Muscat Blanc Synonyms
Muscat d’Alsace (Alsace, France)
Moscato Bianco (Italy)
Moscato d’Asti (Piemonte, Italy)
Muskateller (Austria & Germany)
Brown Muscat (Australia)
Popular Muscat of Alexandria Synonyms
Muscatel Bianco (Spain)
Gordo Blanco (Australia)
Moscatel de Setúbal (Portugal)
Zibibbo (Sicily, Italy)
Hanepoot (South Africa)
Popular Muscat Ottonel Synonyms
Muskotály (Hungary)
What aromatic quality is Muscat known for?
The smell of grapes
What, generally, is the structure of Muscat?
Moderate Acidity
Typically shows aromas of linalool (lily of the valley) and geraniol (rose)
What types of wines are made with Muscat?
Dry, young-drinking styles of wine unless deliberately oxidized
Sweet wines, especially sparkling, late harvest, and fortified
Muscat Blanc Profile
Grape
Peach
Floral
(Rose, Orange Blossom)
Rich Honey
Spice
Medium Acidity
Usually produces sweet wines
Muscat of Alexandria Profile
Grape
Peach and Apricot
Orange Marmalade
Medium Acid
Late Ripening
Usually produces sweet wines
Muscat Ottonel Profile
Grape
Peach
Medium Acidity
Usually produces dry or off-dry wines
Which important Muscat cultivar(s) usually produce sweet wines?
Muscat Blanc
Muscat of Alexandria
Which important Muscat cultivar(s) usually produce drier wines?
Muscat Ottonel
Which of the important Muscat varieties is considered the highest quality grape? What is the hierarchy?
Muscat Blanc is regarded as top quality
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat Ottonel
What are some positive attributes of the Muscat varieties?
Distinctive, intense aromatic qualities
Can raisin on or off the vine to concentrate flavors and sugars
What are some negative attributes of the Muscat varieties?
Very prone to fungal disease
Tend to attract insects
Wines fade quickly without oxidative aging
What are some fortified styles of Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains? Where are they produced?
Rivesaltes (Languedoc-Roussillon, France)
Frontignan (Languedoc-Roussillon, France)
St-Jean de Minervois (Languedoc-Roussillon, France)
Banyuls (Languedoc-Roussillon, France)
Beaumes de Venise (Southern Rhone, France)
Rutherglen (Australia)
What are some sparkling styles of Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains? Where are they produced?
Moscato d’Asti (Piemonte, Italy)
Clairette de Die (Northern Rhone, France)
How are Muscat Blanc bunches different from other Muscat cultivars?
They are smaller
What are some negative attributes of Muscat Blanc?
Susceptible to Powdery and Downy Mildews
Susceptible to Oxidation
Too much skin contact induces bitter flavors
What are some negative attributes of Muscat of Alexandria?
Susceptible to Powdery and Downy Mildews
Late ripening
Requires a lot of heat to fully ripen
Big bunches of berries
What are some negative attributes of Muscat Ottonel?
Susceptible to Downy Mildew and Rot
Pinot Blanc Synonyms
Weissburgunder (Germany)
Pinot Bianco (Italy)
Klevner (Alsace)
What are the viticultural characteristics of Pinot Blanc?
Early Budding
Early Ripening
Small Berries
Susceptible to fungal diseases
What is the structure of Pinot Blanc?
High Acid
High Sugar, leading to potentially full bodied wines
Pinot Blanc Profile
Cool Climate
Green Fruit
(Pear, Apple)
Citrus
High Acid
Dry
Pinot Blanc Profile
Moderate Climate
Citrus
Stone/Melon Fruit
Medium/High Acid
Dry
Pinot Blanc Profile
Other Flavors
Delicate Spice
Creaminess
How does Pinot Blanc react to new oak? Malolactic fermentation? Lees contact?
Positively. It integrates malolactic fermentation and lees flavors well, in addition to oak.
What types of wines are produced with Pinot Blanc?
Still, dry varietal wines
Blends with Auxerrois (Alsace)
What are some positive characteristics of Pinot Blanc?
Resistant to most pests and diseases
Good quality at high yields
What are the viticultural characteristics of Riesling?
Late Budding
Late Ripening
High Yielding
Resistant to Downy Mildew
Susceptible to Powdery Mildew
Compact bunches are susceptible to Grey Rot
Why does Riesling grow well in cold climates?
It is both late budding and late ripening
What is the high range of a Riesling yield that can still offer good quality?
70hl/ha
What is the structure of Riesling?
High Acid that is generally retained
Alcohol ranges from 7% - 13% depending on climate and style
What types of wines are produced with Riesling?
Still Wines
Dry to Luscious
Light or Medium Body
7% - 13% ABV depending on style
Unoaked or neutral oak
Riesling Profile
Cool Climate
Stone Fruit
Cirus
Generally more Floral and Fragrant
Riesling Profile
Moderate/Warm Climate
Lime
Tropical Fruit
Riesling Profile
Botrytis
Honey
Marmalade Spice
Riesling Profile
Age
Petrol
Kerosene
Toast
Almond
Honey
What is Hunter Riesling?
Semillon
What is Cape Riesling/Clare Riesling?
Crouchen
Sauvignon Blanc Synonyms
Blanc Fumé (Loire Valley, France)
Fumé Blanc (California, USA)
Why is Sauvignon Blanc regarded as a cash flow cultivar?
Economic production yields & costs
Speed to market
Is most Sauvignon Blanc suitable for aging?
No. Most are intended to be drunk before the next vintage releases
Some barrel fermented and aged styles are meant to lie down
Where are the benchmark styles of Sauvignon Blanc from?
Loire Valley, France
Marlborough, New Zealand
What are the viticultural characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc?
Early budding
Early ripening
Vigorous, leading to fruit shading by excessive foliage without vineyard management
Very productive, leading to dilute wines without yield control
Susceptible to Powdery MIldew and Black Rot
Besides vineyard management, what can be used to control Sauvignon Blanc’s vigor?
De-vigoring Rootstocks
Low fertility soils
What does Fumé Blanc mean when seen on labels of USA wines?
An oaked Sauvignon Blanc
True or False
Sauvignon Blanc is susceptible to spring frost
True.
Sauvignon Blanc is an early budding varietal.
What is the structure of Sauvignon Blanc?
High Acid
Moderate Alcohol
Usually vinified dry
Sauvignon Blanc Profile
Cool Climate
Pungent
Vegetal, Green Pea, Bean, Tomato Leaf, Green Pepper
Herbaceous, Asparagus
Grapefruit, Citrus
High Acid
Dry
Sauvignon Blanc Profile
Moderate Climate
Less Pungent
Gooseberry
Melon, Nectarine, Kiwi
Medium-High Acid
Dry
Sauvignon Blanc Profile
Ripe Flavors
Elderflower
Passion Fruit, Mango, Pineapple
Sauvignon Blanc Profile
Underripe Flavors
Pyrazines
Grass
Tomato
Capsicum
Sauvignon Blanc Profile
Oak Flavors
Sweet Spice
Creaminess
Honey
Where do some examples of good quality Sauvignon Blanc wines with new oak come from?
Loire Valley, France (Pouilly Fumé)
Bordeaux, France (Graves)
California (some Fumé Blanc styles)
What grape is a color mutation of Sauvignon Blanc?
Fié Gris
aka Sauvignon Gris
What effect does a small percentage of Sauvignon Blanc aged in older oak have when added to premium unoaked wines of the same varietal?
It rounds out the texture and body of the wine
What is Sémillon’s claim to fame?
Sauternes (Bordeaux, France)
What is the style of Sauternes?
A sweet white wine made from Sémillon grapes.
Usually 13.5-14% ABV
Often barrel fermented
What is the style of Sémillon wines in Graves, Bordeaux, France?
A dry, oak-influenced wine made of a blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc
Where in Australia is Sémillon notably grown? What types of wines does it produce?
Hunter Valley, Australia as a lean, light, unoaked, bone dry wine of about 10-11% ABV. These wines are incredibly long lived.
Barossa Valley, Australia as a full bodied, often oaked wine
What are the viticultural characteristics of Sémillon?
Vigorous
Plentiful yields of mid-ripening fruit
Small bunches that become susceptible to Grey Rot towards harvest
Thin skins that promote Noble Rot
What is the structure of Sémillon?
Neutral Aroma
Moderate Acid
Medium-High Alcohol
Body varies based on style
Sémillon Profile
Cool Climate/Early Harvest
Neutral or Pungent Vegetal
Light Body
Low Alcohol
High Acid
Dry
Sémillon Profile
Moderate Climate
Citrus
Oily
Custard
Medium Body
Medium-High Acid
Sémillon Profile
Late Harvest
Tropical Fruit
Botrytis
Sémillon Profile
Oak
Toast
Vanilla
Sémillon Profile
Age
Toast
Honey
Roasted Nuts
Sémillon Profile
Unripeness
Capsicum
Green Bean
Dried-Grassy
What is “SSB” as it relates to wine?
A marker of Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc blends used in Western Australia, especially in Margaret River.
Ugni Blanc Synonyms
Trebbiano Toscano (Italy)
Alfrocheiro Branco (Portugal)
Procanico (Umbria, Italy)
When did Ugni Blanc appear in France? Where did it originate?
Trebbiano Toscano is an Italian grape that traveled north in the 14th Century. The French name for it is Ugni Blanc.
What is Ugni Blanc popular for in France?
The production of Cognac and Armagnac
What are the viticultural characteristics of Ugni Blanc?
Vigorous
Late Budding
Late(ish) Ripening
High Yielding
Thick Skinned
Susceptible to Downy Mildew, Eutypa Dieback
Resistant to Powdery Mildew and Grey Rot
What is the structure of Ugni Blanc?
High Acid
Moderate Alcohol
Light Body
Neutral Flavors
Ugni Blanc Profile
Green Fruit
(Apple, Pear)
Light Body
Low Alcohol
High Acid
Trebbiano Toscano Profile
Neutral Flavors
High Acid
Light Body
What types of winemaking are best suited for Ugni Blanc?
Low temperature stainless steel fermentations to encourage a simple, light, crisp style
What are some positive attributes of Sémillon?
High quality potential
Ages well
What are some negative attributes of Sémillon?
Underappreciated and unfashionable
Can lack aroma and acidity in some conditions, prompting its blending with Sauvignon Blanc
What are some positive attributes of Ugni Blanc?
High Yielding
Retains Acidity in warm climates
Ideal for brandy production due to high acidity and low alcohol
What are some negative characteristics of Ugni Blanc?
Low quality potential for wine
What grapes are Ugni Blanc often blended with?
Garganega (Soave, Veneto, Italy)
Malvasia (Frascati, Lazio, Italy)
Verdello & Grechetto (Orvieto, Umbria, Italy)
Local Varieties in Gascony & Provence (France)
What genetic relationships does Syrah have with other grapes?
Mondeuse Blanch (Parent)
Dureza (Parent)
Teroldego (Aunt/Uncle)
Pinot (Great Grandparent)
Viognier (Grandparent or Half Sibling)
Durif (Offspring)
What genetic relationships does Viognier have with other cultivars?
Syrah (Grandparent or Half Sibling)
Freisa (Close genetic relationship)
Nebbiolo (Cousin)
What are the viticultural characteristics of Viognier?
Early Budding
Mid Ripening
Not particularly vigorous or productive
Modest Yields due to fertility
Small, Thick Skinned Berries
Susceptible to wind damage
Resistant to Grey Rot
What effect does the viticultural character of Viognier have on viticulture and wine making?
They are small and thick skinned, requiring cropping to best express the cultivar.
Coupled with a lack of production and maintenance of the vine, Viognier is not conducive for simple or easily profitable growing.
What is the structure of Viognier?
Moderate to Low Acid
High Alcohol
High Extract
Full Body (increasingly so in warmer climates)
Viognier Profile
Moderate Climate
Floral
(Honeysuckle, Orange Blossom)
Pear
Stone Fruit
(Peaches, Apricots)
Medium Acid
Medium-High Alcohol
Full Body
Viognier Profile
Hot Climate
Stone Fruit
(Peaches, Apricots)
Exotic Fruit
(Lychee)
Ginger
Low Acid
High Alcohol
Very Full Body
Viognier Profile
Late Harvest
Dried Fruit
Viognier Profile
Oak
Creaminess
Vanilla
Toast
How does Viognier interact with oak?
It has an affinity with some new oak, but too much can dominate the wine
What happens if Viognier ripens too quickly?
Alcohol levels can overpower the aromas and flavors
What grape(s) have commonly and continue to be planted and fermented with Viognier?
Syrah
In Côte-Rotie, Syrah and Viognier are often co-planted and co-fermented.
In the New World, Viognier is added to Syrah wines through
1) Co-fermenation
2) Pressings or freshly crushed berries to an ongoing Syrah ferment
3) Viognier wine
What does the practice of adding Viognier to Syrah do for the finished wine? How much is typically added?
The color of Syrah wines are stabilized and the wine gains a floral perfume
Just a few percent of Viognier is needed as the grape can overwhelm a wine
What producer in Australia is the country’s most important with regards to Vigonier? When did they start and where are they located?
Yalumba
In 1980 they planted 1.2 hectares in Eden Valley
What are some positive attributes of Viognier?
Attractive floral/fruit character
Full body and fine, silky texture
Fashionable
What are some negative attributes of Viognier?
Delicate flavors can easily “burn off” during ripening or evaporate during vinification
Wines made from overripe grapes can be over-alcoholic and bitter
What are some positive attributes of Riesling?
Distinct Varietal Character
Expressive of terroir
High quality potential even at high yields
Hardy
Can suit a range of styles from dry to luscious
Great aging potential
What are some negative attributes of Riesling?
Underappreciated by most wine consumers
Where did Gewürztraminer orginate?
Unknown, though somewhere in the triangle defined by Alto Adige, Pfalz, and Alsace.
The Gewürztraminer in Alsace likely came from Pfalz.
Traminer, the unstable variety that mutated into Gewürztraminer, originates in the town of Tramin, South Tyrol (present day Alto Adige).
What are the viticultural characteristics of Gewürztraminer?
Early Budding
Early Ripening
Not very productive
Very small bunches
Susceptible to Millerandage
Ripe grapes obtain a pinky-red hue
What is the structure of Gewürztraminer?
Low Acid
High Alcohol
Full Body
Produces wines with distinct copper-bronze or deep golden hue
What difficulties are had with growing Gewürztraminer in woo hot a climate?
The body of the resulting wines can risk becoming oily and bitter
What conditions are ideal for maintaining freshness and acidity in Gewürztraminer?
Cool Weather
Sunny Conditions
Gewürztraminer Profile
Cool Climate
Floral
(Rose Petal, Lavender)
Lychee
Ginger Spice
Grape
Full Body
Medium-High Alcohol
Medium Acidity
Dry-Sweet
Gewürztraminer Profile
Moderate Climate
Lychee
Tropical Fruit
High Alcohol
Full Body
High Alcohol
Low-Medium Acidity
Gewürztraminer Profile
Ripeness/Late Harvest
Sweet Spice
Raisin
Botrytis
Gewürztraminer Profile
Bottle Age
Meat/Savory
Ginger Spice
What grapes are Riesling typically blended with?
Usually unblended.
Müller-Thurgau, Silvaner, and Kerner for Liebfraumilch (Germany)
Gewürztraminer (primarily Australia)
What grapes are Gewürztraminer typically blended with?
Rarely blended.
Can contribute fruit to a multi-varietal blend
Can be blended with other aromatic varieties (Muscat, Riesling)
What are some positive attributes of Gewürztraminer?
Characteristic intense perfume
What are some negative attributes of Gewürztraminer?
Hard to achieve flavor ripeness at moderate alcohol levels
Low Yields
Pinot Gris Synonyms
Pinot Grigio (Italy)
Grauburgunder (Germany)
Ruländer (Germany, Austria; usually sweet)
Szûrkebarát (Hungary, Romania)
What are the color mutations of Pinot?
Pinot Blanc
Pinot Gris
Pinot Noir
What are the viticultural characteristics of Pinot Gris?
Vigorous
Modestly Productive
Susceptible to Downy Mildew and Grey Rot
What is the structure of Pinot Gris?
Low-Medium Acid that drops rapidly toward full ripeness
Alcohol and Extract vary by grape ripeness
What is the risk of obtaining ripe Pinot Gris?
Acidity drops quickly as ripeness increases
Pinot Gris Profile
Cool Climate
Honeyed
Nutty
Earthy
Tropical Fruit
Spicy
Medium Acid
High Alcohol
Full Body
Off-Dry or Sweet (Can be Dry)
Pinot Gris Profile
Moderate Climate/Early Harvest
Neutral/Delicate Pear
Citrus
Medium Acid
Light Body
Light Alcohol
Dry
Pinot Gris Profile
Late Harvest
Dried Fruit
Apricot
Honey
Pinot Gris Profile
Age
Spice
Woodiness
What is the difference between Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris?
Grigio
Light, crisp, clean, citrus/neutral
Gris
Richer, fatter, fuller bodied, peachy/creamy
Pinot Gris also has higher alcohol and a round, dry mouthfeel typified by the Alsatian style
What vinification methods are typically used on Pinot Gris wines?
Stainless Steel or Old Neutral Oak
New Oak is used on some premium wines from Germany
What grapes are typically blended with Pinot Gris?
It is usually unblended
Can sometimes be blended with Pinot Blanc
What are some positive characteristics of Pinot Gris?
Susceptible to drying on the vine and noble rot
High quality potential
High demand
What are some negative characteristics of Pinot Gris?
Too many uninteresting, dilute, neutral examples
