Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Sensory Development > Cool Climate Whites > Flashcards

Cool Climate Whites Flashcards

1
Q

What happens to sugar as grapes ripen?

A

Sugar increases as grapes ripen

This increase in sugar is a critical factor in determining the overall quality of the wine.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is the relationship between sugar and acid during ripening?

A

Sugar increases while acid decreases

This relationship affects the balance of flavor in the final wine product.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Flavor development happens at the same rate as sugar. True or False?

A

False

Flavor development can occur at different rates compared to sugar accumulation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Fermentation converts sugar to _______ and _______.

A

alcohol and carbon dioxide

This conversion is a key process in winemaking.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the relationship between Sugar at harvest and Residual Sugar?

A

Higher sugar at harvest can lead to higher residual sugar

Residual sugar impacts the sweetness of the finished wine.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is the natural form of acid in grapes?

A

Tartaric acid

Tartaric acid is the primary acid found in grapes and is important for wine stability.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Malolactic Conversion converts _______ acid to _______ acid.

A

malic acid and tartaric acid to lactic acid

This process softens the acidity of the wine and adds complexity to its flavor profile.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the Winkler Index?

A

A framework for understanding the climate of a wine region

Developed in 1944 by Professors Amerine and Winkler at UC Davis.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

How many categories does the Winkler Index use to group wine regions?

A

Five categories

The categories are based on theoretical growing days.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Which grape cultivars are associated with cool regions?

A

Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir

These varietals thrive in cooler climates.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What grape cultivars are typically grown in warm regions?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Grenache

These varietals prefer warmer climates.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What geographical factors contribute to a cool climate?

A

Latitude, topography, distance from coast

Examples include regions like Mosel, Germany.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

True or False: The topography does not affect climate in wine regions.

A

False

Topography, such as mountains and elevation, significantly impacts climate.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Fill in the blank: The proximity to the _______ can influence a region’s climate.

A

poles

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Which country is mentioned as having a cool climate due to its geography?

A

Germany

Example: Mosel region.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

List two wine regions located in Australia that are considered cool climates.

A

Tasmania, Adelaide Hills

These regions have cooler growing conditions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is the significance of elevation in determining a cool climate?

A

It can create cooler temperatures and microclimates

Higher elevations often lead to cooler growing conditions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Which region in New Zealand is noted for its cool climate?

A

Central Otago

Known for producing high-quality wines.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What are natural features that can moderate a cool climate?

A

Bodies of water, elevation/aspect, mountains, long days with high number of daylight hours

Bodies of water include rivers, coasts, inland seas, and large lakes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What role do bodies of water play in climate moderation?

A

They help to moderate temperatures and influence local weather patterns

Examples include rivers, coasts, inland seas, and large lakes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What does elevation/aspect refer to in climate moderation?

A

Planting to face the sun or positioning above the fog line

This can affect sunlight exposure and temperature.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

How do mountains contribute to climate moderation?

A

They create rain shadows and provide protection from major winds

This can result in varying climatic conditions on either side of a mountain range.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What is a characteristic of regions classified as ‘cool climate’ for wine production?

A

They have a baseline cool climate regardless of winemaker intentions

Winemakers focus on achieving ripening rather than slowing it down.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

In cool climate wine regions, what is a primary concern for winemakers?

A

Achieving ripening of grapes

This contrasts with warmer regions where the focus may be on restraint.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Fill in the blank: _______ can moderate a cool climate by influencing temperature and weather patterns.

A

Bodies of water

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

True or False: Elevation and aspect are irrelevant in moderating cool climates.

A

False

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

What is the climate like in the Loire Valley?

A

Cool climate

The cool climate of the Loire Valley contributes to the unique characteristics of its wines.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Which grape varieties are commonly grown in the Anjou-Saumur region?

A
  • Chenin Blanc
  • Cabernet Franc

These varieties are well-suited to the region’s climate and soil.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

What grape is primarily associated with the Pays Nantais?

A

Melon de Bourgogne

This grape is known for producing Muscadet, a popular white wine from the region.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

What grape varieties are prominent in the Touraine region?

A
  • Chenin Blanc
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Cabernet Franc

These varieties thrive in the diverse terroirs of Touraine.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Which grape is primarily used in the Centre-Loire?

A

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc from this region is highly regarded for its quality and expression.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

What is the significance of the town of Sancerre?

A

Famous for Sauvignon Blanc

Sancerre is a key wine-producing area in the Centre-Loire known for its distinctive Sauvignon Blanc.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

Which grape variety is commonly used in the production of Vouvray?

A

Chenin Blanc

Vouvray wines can range from dry to sweet and are made exclusively from Chenin Blanc.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

Fill in the blank: The grape variety Cabernet Franc is especially notable in the _______ region.

A

Touraine

Cabernet Franc is a key varietal in this region, contributing to its red wine profile.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

Which regions are included in the Loire Valley?

A
  • Orléans
  • Nantes
  • Angers
  • Blois
  • Tours

These towns are significant for their contributions to the Loire Valley’s wine culture.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

True or False: Gamay is a prominent grape variety in the Loire Valley.

A

False

Gamay is not one of the main varieties in the Loire Valley; it is more associated with Beaujolais.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

What are the typical structural components of cool climate wines?

A
  • Sugar
  • Acid
  • Alcohol
  • Tannin
  • Body

These components collectively define the profile of cool climate wines.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

What is the sugar content typically like in cool climate wines?

A

Dry to Sweet

Cool climate wines can range from dry to sweet depending on various factors.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

What is the acid level in cool climate wines?

A

Elevated to High Acids

High acidity is a hallmark of wines produced in cooler climates.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

What is the typical alcohol level in cool climate wines?

A

Low to Moderate Alcohol

Alcohol levels tend to be lower in cool climate wines due to the cooler growing conditions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

What is the typical body of cool climate wines?

A

Light to Moderate Body

The body of these wines is generally lighter compared to those from warmer climates.

42
Q

What is one technique a winemaker can use to respond to the pressures of a cool climate?

A

Training vines lower or higher

Adjusting vine training can help optimize grape exposure to sunlight.

43
Q

What is green harvesting in the context of winemaking?

A

A technique to manage crop yield by removing unripe grapes

This practice helps improve the quality of the remaining grapes.

44
Q

How can leaf pulling benefit cool climate vineyards?

A

Enhances sunlight exposure and air circulation

Leaf pulling can help in ripening grapes by allowing more sunlight to reach the fruit.

45
Q

What does ‘long hang time’ refer to in winemaking?

A

Allowing grapes to remain on the vine longer before harvest

This can lead to increased flavor concentration and ripeness.

46
Q

Fill in the blank: One planting choice a winemaker can make in a cool climate is _______.

A

[aspect, row orientation]

These choices can significantly impact sunlight exposure and grape ripening.

47
Q

What is Passito winemaking?

A

A method of drying grapes to concentrate sugars before fermentation

Passito is often used to create sweet wines.

48
Q

What is chaptalization in winemaking?

A

The process of adding sugar to grape must to increase alcohol content after fermentation

This technique is particularly useful in cool climates where grapes may not achieve full ripeness.

49
Q

What does lees aging refer to?

A

A winemaking technique involving aging wine on its dead yeast cells (lees) to enhance flavor and texture

This can add complexity and a creamy mouthfeel to the wine.

50
Q

What is battonage in winemaking?

A

The process of stirring the lees in a wine barrel to promote contact and enhance flavor

It is often used in white wine production, particularly with Chardonnay.

51
Q

What does leaving residual sugar (RS) in the final wine mean?

A

Retaining unfermented sugars in the wine to create a sweeter taste profile

This can balance acidity, especially in cooler climate wines.

52
Q

What are the various methods for producing sparkling wine?

A

Methods include traditional (Champagne method), Charmat method, and others

Each method affects the flavor, texture, and bubbles of the final product.

53
Q

Fill in the blank: Drying grapes is a method used in _______ winemaking.

54
Q

True or False: Chaptalization involves removing sugar from grape must.

55
Q

What is the purpose of lees aging?

A

To enhance flavor and texture of the wine

56
Q

True or False: Battonage is a technique used to reduce the sweetness of wine.

57
Q

Fill in the blank: Sparkling wine can be produced using the _______ method, among others.

58
Q

What should be looked for to differentiate structurally similar wines?

A

Varietal character in aromatic and flavor profile

This includes identifying specific aromas and flavors that are characteristic of particular grape varieties.

59
Q

What are some structural standouts in wine tasting?

A

High aromatic intensity or exceptionally high acid or tannin

These structural elements can help distinguish between wines that otherwise seem similar.

60
Q

What appearance indicators suggest Botrytis or thick-skinned varieties?

A

Golden yellow

This refers to visual traits that can hint at specific winemaking processes or grape types.

61
Q

How can knowledge of regional winemaking styles assist in wine tasting?

A

It can help narrow options down

Understanding the typical practices of specific regions can provide context for the wine’s characteristics.

62
Q

What are the typical traits of cool climate wines?

A
  • Sugar: Dry to Sweet
  • Acid: Elevated to High Acids
  • Alcohol: Low to Moderate Alcohol
  • Tannin: N/A with exceptions
  • Body: Light to Moderate Body

These traits are common in wines produced in cooler climates, affecting their overall profile.

63
Q

What is a key characteristic of Sauvignon Blanc?

A

High Aromatic Intensity

Sauvignon Blanc is known for its strong and intense aromas.

64
Q

What is a structural standout feature of Sauvignon Blanc?

A

High Acid

The high acidity in Sauvignon Blanc contributes to its crispness.

65
Q

What distinctive impact compounds are found in Sauvignon Blanc?

A

Pyrazines and thiols

Pyrazines give aromas of green bell pepper, asparagus, and grass; thiols contribute aromas of passionfruit, grapefruit, and gooseberry.

66
Q

What is a notable structural feature of Chenin Blanc?

A

High Acid

Chenin Blanc typically has high acidity, making it versatile.

67
Q

Can Chenin Blanc exhibit Botrytis characteristics?

A

Yes, even when dry

Botrytis can influence the aroma profile of Chenin Blanc, regardless of its sweetness level.

68
Q

What types of styles can Chenin Blanc be made in?

A

Dry through sweet styles

Chenin Blanc is versatile and can range from dry to very sweet wines.

69
Q

What aromas does Botrytis contribute to wines?

A

Marmalade, Chamomile, ginger, or honey

Botrytis cinerea, also known as noble rot, can enhance the aromatic complexity of wines.

70
Q

What does the term Pinot Gris refer to?

A

The Alsati style which is fruitier and a touch more floral

May show Botrytis

71
Q

What does the term Pinot Grigio refer to?

A

The lighter, crisp citrus and mineral-driven style of N. Italy

Shows Lees contact

72
Q

What is the main difference between Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio?

A

Different styles of wine

Pinot Gris is fruitier and floral, while Pinot Grigio is lighter and crisper

73
Q

Fill in the blank: Pinot Gris references the _______ style which is fruitier and a touch more floral.

74
Q

Fill in the blank: Pinot Grigio references the lighter, crisp citrus and _______-driven style of N. Italy.

75
Q

What are the primary flavors of Chardonnay?

A

Chalk, butter, yellow apple, starfruit

These flavors can vary depending on the region and winemaking techniques.

76
Q

Which regions are primarily referenced for Chardonnay?

A

Chablis and Burgundy

These regions set the standard for Chardonnay characteristics.

77
Q

True or False: Chablis is likely to show oak influence.

A

False

Chablis is known for its purity and typically does not exhibit oak characteristics.

78
Q

True or False: Burgundy Chardonnay may show oak influence.

A

True

Burgundy wines often utilize oak aging, affecting the flavor profile.

79
Q

Fill in the blank: Chardonnay can be tricky because it is very _______.

A

malleable

This malleability allows winemakers to create a wide range of styles.

80
Q

How do cool climates in the New World influence Chardonnay?

A

They model their Chardonnays upon Chablis and Burgundy

This influence shapes the style and flavor profiles of New World Chardonnays.

81
Q

What is a key characteristic of Riesling in terms of aromatic intensity?

A

High Aromatic Intensity

Riesling is known for its pronounced and complex aromas.

82
Q

Riesling is typically described as highly _______.

A

Floral

The floral notes contribute to its aromatic profile.

83
Q

What are distinctive impact compounds associated with Riesling?

A

Esters white flower banana raspberry strawberry apple

Terpenes rose Lighty lavender orange oil

Botrytis marmalade honey ginger chamomile

84
Q

What is the typical acidity level of Riesling?

A

High Acids

The high acidity balances the sweetness in many Rieslings.

85
Q

Riesling typically shows lower alcohol and _______.

A

light body

This characteristic makes Riesling refreshing and easy to drink.

86
Q

Even when dry, Riesling usually has a bit of _______.

A

RS (Residual Sugar)

This residual sugar adds to the wine’s complexity and balance.

87
Q

What is a common phenomenon affecting Riesling grapes?

A

Botrytis

Botrytis cinerea, or noble rot, can enhance the sweetness and complexity of Riesling.

88
Q

Riesling is often associated with aromas of _______ flowers.

A

White

These floral notes are a hallmark of the Riesling varietal.

89
Q

What is a key structural standout of Gewürztraminer?

A

Lower Acid

Gewürztraminer is known for its lower acidity compared to other white wines.

90
Q

What type of bitterness is characteristic of Gewürztraminer?

A

Substantial Phenolic Bitterness (tannins)

This refers to the presence of tannins that contribute to the wine’s bitterness.

91
Q

What is the aromatic intensity level of Gewürztraminer?

A

High Aromatic Intensity

Gewürztraminer is recognized for its strong and pronounced aromas.

92
Q

What are distinctive impact compounds associated with Gewürztraminer?

A

Distinctive Impact Compounds

These compounds contribute to the unique flavor profile of Gewürztraminer.

93
Q

Does Gewürztraminer typically show Botrytis?

A

Typically Shows Botrytis

Botrytis cinerea is a mold that can enhance the sweetness and complexity of the wine.

94
Q

What is Gruner Veltliner known for?

A

Elevated acid and distinctive impact

Gruner Veltliner is a white grape variety known for its high acidity and unique flavor profile.

95
Q

What compounds may be present in Gruner Veltliner?

A

Botrytis on Reserve and Smaragd style

Botrytis, also known as noble rot, can enhance the complexity and sweetness of the wine.

96
Q

What is a characteristic feature of Gruner Veltliner regarding alcohol content?

A

Can reach elevated alcohol

This varietal can produce wines with higher alcohol levels, contributing to its body and richness.

97
Q

What is the synonym for Melon de Bourgogne?

98
Q

How is Melon de Bourgogne defined?

A

By what is NOT there than what is

99
Q

What is a key feature of the winemaking process for Melon de Bourgogne?

A

Lees contact

100
Q

What are the defining characteristics of Melon de Bourgogne aside from lees contact?

A

High acid and minerality

101
Q

What aromas are associated with Melon de Bourgogne?

A
  • Lime
  • Seashell
  • Green apple
  • Pear
  • Bread dough

Sensory Development (4 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions