Cool Climate Varietals

Question 1

What is Sauvignon Blanc?

Answer 1

1. Cool climate
2. Aromatic intensity - high
3. Acid - high
4. Pyrazines: bell pepper, grass, pea
5. Thiols: passionfruit, grapefruit, gooseberry (PGG)

Question 2

What is Chenin Blanc?

Answer 2

1. Cool climate
2. Dry to sweet
3. Botrytis (CHaMG)
4. Can show botrytis even when dry

Question 3

What is Alsation Pinot Gris?

Answer 3

1. Cool climate
2. Botrytis (CHaMG)
3. Alsatian - fruitier, more floral
4. Longer hangtime - more flavour development, viscosity
5. Lower density - more concentration, intensity
6. Thicker skins - more tannin and flavour

Question 4

What is Pinot Grigio?

Answer 4

1. Cool climate
2. Higher acid than Gris - grapes picked earlier
3. High volume, grapes picked earlier, less concentration
4. Lighter, crisper
5. Citrus
6. Minerality
7. Lees contact

Question 5

Riesling

Answer 5

1. Cool climate
2. Aromatic
3. Dry (has RS even when dry)
4. Acid - high
5. Alcohol - lower
6. Body - light
7. Botrytis - CHaMG
8. Thiols - rose, orange oil, lavender, lychee (ROLL)
9. Aromas - White flowers, apple, banana
10. TDN

Question 6

What is Gewürztraminer?

Answer 6

1. Cool climate
2. Aromatic - high
3. Acid - lower
4. Phenolic bitterness
5. Botrytis - CHaMG
6. Thiols - rose, orange oil, lavender, lychee (ROLL)
7. White flowers, apple, banana

Question 7

What is Melon de Bourgogne?

Answer 7

1. Cool climate grape
2. Neutral - defined by what is NOT there
3. High acid
4. Green apple, lime, pear
5. Minerality
6. Lees contact is key feature

Question 8

Grüner Veltliner

Answer 8

1. Cool climate
2. Acid - high
3. Alcohol - high
4. Range of ripeness styles
5. White pepper, savoury