Cool Climate Varietals

Question 1

What is Sauvignon Blanc?

Answer 1

Cool climate
Sancerre, Pouilly Fumé, Hawke’s Bay

Visual - nothing of note

Nose
Aromatic intensity - high
Pyrazines: bell pepper, grass, pea
Thiols: passionfruit, grapefruit, gooseberry (PGG)

Structure
Acid - high

Question 2

What is Chenin Blanc?

Answer 2

Cool climate
Anjou, Bonnezeaux, Crémant de Loire, Coteaux de l’Aubance, Coteaux du Layon, Jasnières, Montlouis, Quarts de Chaume, Saumur, Savennières, and Vouvray.

Structure
Dry to sweet
* Botrytis (CHaMG)
* Can show botrytis even when dry

Question 3

How is Alsation-style Pinot Gris different from Pinot Grigio?

Answer 3

Cool climate
Alsace, Central Otago

Appearance
Lemon to yellow
Alsatian - fruitier, more floral than Pinot Grigio

Structure
Dry to sweet
* Botrytis (CHaMG)

Notes:
Longer hangtime - more flavour development, viscosity
Lower density - more concentration, intensity
Thicker skins - more tannin and flavour

Question 4

How is Pinot Grigio diffferent from Pinot Gris?

Answer 4

Cool climate
Trentino, Alto Adige

Appearance
Paler than Pinot Gris

Nose
Lighter, crisper
Citrus
Minerality

Structure
Acid - higher than Gris - grapes picked earlier

Notes
High volume, grapes picked earlier, less concentration
Lees contact

Question 5

Describe Riesling.

Answer 5

Cool climate
Alsace, Germany, Clare Valley, Eden Valley

Visual - nothing of note

Nose
Aromatic
White flowers, apple, banana
Rose, orange oil, lavender, lychee (ROLL)
Trimethyl dihydro naphthalene (TDN)

Structure
Dry (has RS even when dry)
* Botrytis - CHaMG
Acid - high
Alcohol - lower
Body - light

Question 6

What is Gewürztraminer?

Answer 6

Cool climate
Alsace, Germany

Visual
Yellow to Gold

Nose
Aromatics - high
White flowers, apple, banana
Rose, orange oil, lavender, lychee (ROLL)

Structure
Dry to sweet
* Botrytis - CHaMG
Acid - lower
Tannin - phenolic bitterness possible
Alcohol - best examples M+ to H
Body - full, oily

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

Cool climate
Austria

Visual - nothing of note

Nose
White pepper, savoury

Structure
Acid - high
Alcohol - high

Notes
Range of ripeness styles