Europe Flashcards
1
Q
What climate do most German wine regions have?
A
Cool continental
2
Q
Where in Germany are vineyards noticeably warmer?
A
Baden, in the far south
3
Q
What effect does the climate in Germany have on Grapes?
A
The long, cool ripening period allows grapes to reach sugar ripeness while retaining acidity
4
Q
In nearly all regions of Germany, the best sites for growing grapes are found where? with what aspect?
A
Steep, often stony slopes with Southerly aspect
5
Q
describe grape-growing practices in Germany.
A
Due to many sites on steep slopes, vineyards are worked on by hand. In the steepest parts, equipment is moved into place by winches. Vines are head-pruned, individually staked with canes tied in at the top of the stakes to maximise grape exposure to light and air circulation.
6
Q
How do vineyards benefit by being planted in proximity to rivers in Germany?
A
Reflected sunlight can help grapes to ripen. Air movement caused by flowing water can help to protect against frosts.
7
Q
By which oenological characteristic are wines classified in Germany? What does this mean for harvest?
A
By must weight (level of sugar in grape juice). Harvest can be spread out over a period of weeks and months.
8
Q
What wine style is Germany trending towards?
A
Towards dry wines
9
Q
In terms of vineyard plantings and quality, what is the most important variety in Germany?
A
Riesling
10
Q
what is the style range for dry Rieslings in Germany?
A
from light and fruity to very concentrated and intense
11
Q
How are many of the very best dry Rieslings of Germany labelled?
A
Grosses Gewächs (GG)
12
Q
Up to which Germany PDO category is it possible to make wine in a dry style?
A
Auslese
13
Q
What is the most delicate of the Prädikatswein styles?
A
Kabinett
14
Q
Describe a typical Kabinett wine.
A
Light in body, High acidity, Flavours of green apple or citrus fruit, often balanced with residual sweetness. Sweet styles will have an alcohol level of 8-9% abv. Drier styles can reach 12% abv
15
Q
How can Kabinett wines be made sweet?
A
By stopping fermentation early (better quality wines) or by adding sugar after fermentation (Süssreserve)
16
Q
Why is stopping fermentation seen as a better quality way of creating sweetness?
A
It achieves a better sugar/acid balance
17
Q
Describe Spätlese wines.
A
Made in the same way as Kabinett wines, but more concentrated, riper and with a little more body, alcohol and sometimes sweetness. Citrus and stone fruit aromas (peach or apricot).
18
Q
describe Auslese wines.
A
Made from individually selected extra-ripe bunches. Richer and riper than Spätlese wines. Noble rot can be involved.
19
Q
Describe Beerenauslese (BA) and Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA) wines.
A
Noble rot essential to achieving required must weights for TBA - not essential for BA wines, but noble rot still typical. Some sites more suitable than others, but these styles not necessarily produced every year. Volumes vary considerably when produced. Sweet and low in alcohol. Flavours of honey, dried stone fruit, candied peel and flowers. Some of the best sweet wines in the world.
20
Q
Describe Eiswein.
A
Rare and made infrequently. Noble rot is NOT a key component. Very sweet. Focus is on pure varietal fruit flavors.
21
Q
Which additional winemaking methods may winemakers use to maintain varietal flavors in Eiswein?
A
Using carefully selected yeast, handling juice with care and avoiding processes which can mask the flavors of the grape such as MLF and new oak.
22
Q
Müller-Thurgau is a crossing of which grapes?
A
Riesling X Madeleine royale in 1880s
23
Q
How does Müller-Thurgau compare with Riesling?
A
It ripens earlier, but does not have the same level of acidity or intensity of flavor.
24
Q
What are the flavors of Müller-Thurgau?
A
Attractive floral and fruity flavors
25
where is Silvaner mainly found in Germany?
Particularly Rheinhessen and Franken
26
What style is Silvaner made into?
Dry and sweet styles
27
What is the profile of Silvaner wines in Germany?
Less acidic and less overtly fruity than Riesling
28
What kind of quality can Silvaner produce?
High quality in the right sites
29
How else is Spätburgunder known?
Pinot noir
30
What is the 3rd most planted grape in Germany?
Spätburgunder
31
What vineyard conditions does Spätburgunder grown in Germany require to thrive?
warmer sites
32
Where is Spätburgunder particularly important in Germany?
Pfalz and Baden
33
What styles are Spätburgunder wines made into?
Dry, either relatively light and fruity or in a more concentrated style with oak aromas
34
Which is the 2nd most widely planted black grape in Germany?
Dornfelder
35
What is fairly unique about German Dornfelder wines?
They are very deeply colored
36
Where is the mosel region?
The Mosel region includes the River Mosel, from where it joins the River Rhine to the German border and its two small tributaries; the Saar and the Ruwer.
37
Which grapes dominate the Mosel?
White grapes, particularly Riesling
38
Which varieties are permitted for Grosses Gewächs wines in the Mosel?
Riesling only
39
Describe the best vineyard sites of the middle Mosel.
Very steep slopes, slate soils, in close proximity to the river.
40
Describe the Riesling wines of Mosel's best Vineyards.
Lighter in body, lower in alcohol and higher in acidity than those in Rheingau, Rheinhessen and Pflaz. Floral and green fruit flavors.
41
What can happen in the Mosel in cooler Vintages?
Grapes may not ripen in even the best sites. The grapes may then be used in sparkling wine production.
42
Where is the Nahe region?
Between Mosel and Rheinhessen
43
Where are the best sites in Nahe?
On steep, south-facing slopes on the banks of the river Nahe.
44
What grape makes the best wines of the Nahe?
Riesling
45
What style of Riesling is made in Nahe?
Somewhere between that of Mosel and the fuller-bodied style of Rheingau, Rheinhessen and Pflaz. Pronounced acidity of Mosel. Riper fruit character than that of Mosel due to warmer character.
46
Which varieties are permitted for Grosses-Gewächs wines in Nahe?
Riesling only
47
Where is Rheingau?
North of Rheinhessen, east of Mosel
48
Where in Rheingau are most vineyards situated?
On the slopes of the north bank of the River Rhine in the west of the region and the River Main. They have a southerly aspect.
49
Other than their southerly aspect, what other feature of the best sites in Rheingau contributes to their favorable terroir?
The protection from winds offered by the Taunus HIlls to the North.
50
German wine without a GI is labelled...what?
Deutscher Wein
51
Some PGI wines are made in Germany. How are they labelled?
Landwein
52
What is the category for German PDO wines?
Qualitätswein
53
Define Prädikatswein
A category within Qualitätswein. Wines have higher sugar levels than required for other Qualitätswein. There are six Prädikat levels, based on increasing minimum must weights.
54
What regulations surround Qualitätswein?
The wine must come from one of 13 designated 'winegrowing areas'. The winegrowing area must appear on the label.
55
List the 6 Prädikat levels, from lowest minimum must weight at harvest, to highest.
1. Kabinett
2. Spätlese
3. Auslese
4. Beerenauslese (BA)
5. Eiswein
6. Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA)
56
What is another labelling term for 'Halbtrocken'?
Feinherb (= off dry)
57
What is 'VDP'?
Verband Deustcher Prädikatsweingüter is a producers' association in Germany with its own vineyard and wine classification. Members conform to strict production standards and focus on producing high-quality wines. VDP wines can be identified by an icon of an eagle on the capsule of the bottle.
58
Dry wines from VDP Grosses Lage sites are called what and can be identified how?
VDP Grosses Gewachs: indicated by the letters 'GG' and a bunch of grapes on the neck of the bottle.
59
What mountain range covers the Western parts of Austria?
The Alps
60
Describe the general climate of Austrian vineyards.
The vineyard areas have a cool continental climate, with short summers and very harsh winters.
61
What is the most widely planted white grape variety in Austria?
Grüner Veltliner
62
What is the 2nd most widely planted white grape variety in Austria?
Welschriesling
63
Describe the typical characteristics of a dry wine produced from Welschriesling in Austria.
When produced in a dry style, its wines are usually fresh but simple, displaying citrus and green apple flavors and high acidity.
64
In Austria, what 3 regions are known for producing the best examples of Riesling?
1. Wachau DAC
2. Kamptal DAC
3. Kremstal DAC
65
When considering Austria's PDO wines, what are the 4 federal states?
1. Niederösterreich (Lower Austria)
2. Burgenland
3. Steiermark (Styria)
4. Wein (Vienna)
66
What is the largest of Austria's federal states for both wine production and wine exports?
Niederösterreich (Lower Austria)
67
Where are the majority of vineyards located in Niederösterreich?
The majority of vineyards lie on the banks of the Danube and further north towards the Slovak border.
68
What is the most renowned sub-region of Niederösterreich for high quality dry wines made from wither Grüner Veltliner or Riesling?
Wachau DAC
69
What 4 grape varieties principally produce the dry wines of Burgenland?
1. Pinot Blanc
2. Welschriesling
3. Grüner Veltliner
4. Chardonnay
70
The vast majority of wine made in Austria is PDO and called...what?
Qualitätswein
71
How are Austrian PGI wines labelled?
Landwein
72
Austrian wines without a GI are labelled how?
Wein
73
Qualitätswein from a specified region (non-DAC) can make wines from how many permitted grapes?
40
74
The Austrian DAC system is designed to promote what?
Regional typicity
75
Austrian DAC status is awarded when producers have agreed on what?
On a grape variety/s, and a limited number of defined wine styles (and any regulations to go with them) that best represents their area.
76
In Austria, a Qualitätswein may be labelled with a Prädikat level. These terms are mainly reserved for what styles of wine?
Med-sweet and sweet wines
77
What is the additional Prädikat level, Strohwein, or Schilfwein, for?
Wine made from bunches of grapes laid out on beds of straw or reeds during the winter, to concentrate sugars.
78
Austrian Prädikatswein cannot be labelled with a specific region where...?
Where a DAC already exists for another style of wine.
79
Where in Hungary is the region of Tokaj located?
The region of Tokaj is located in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains in the far north east of Hungary and close to the Slovakian border.
80
What are the 3 principal white grapes that are used in the making of Tokaji?
1. Furmint
2. Hárslevelu
3. Sárga Muskotály
81
What does Tokaji Szamorodni indicate?
These wines are made from the grapes harvested as Szamorodni and may be dry (száraz) or sweet (édes), depending on the amount of noble rot that is present. The wines must be aged in cask for a minimum of six months and only be released from the winery from the January in the second year after harvest. For dry wines, due to flor-like yeasts forming on the wine while in cask, the wine develops a character similar to that of a Fino Sherry. This yeast does not factor in the sweet styles however, which consequently may have an oxidative character although the modern trend is to produce a less-oxidative wine by filling casks for sweet wines completely.
82
How long does maceration usually last for Aszú berries?
12 to 60 hours
83
What is the unit used to express the level of sweetness in Aszú wines?
The puttony
84
What are the typical characteristics of a classic, sweet Tokaji?
Classic Tokaji is deep amber, with high acidity and intense aromas, and flavours of orange peel, apricots and honey. The wines become more concentrated and intense as they rise up the sweetness scale.
85
What forms the base of Tokaji Eszencia wines?
Eszencia is made using just the free-run juice of the aszú berries
86
What is the legal minimum level of residual sugar for Tokaji Eszencia?
450 g/L
87
If referencing current legislation established in 2013, what is the minimum amount of residual sugar for a wine to be labelled Tokaji Aszú?
120 g/L
88
If a wine is labelled 6 puttonyos, what does this indicate?
A wine with a minimum of 150g/L residual sugar
89
What are the maturation requirements for Tokaji Aszú?
Tokaji Aszú must be matured for a minimum of 18 months in oak vessels, which can be old or new.
90
Overall, what is the climate of Greece?
Hot mediterranean climate
91
How many grapes are native to Greece?
200 grapes are native to Greece, very few of which are grown elsewhere.
92
Where is Naoussa PDO located?
Northern Greece in the region of Macedonia.
93
What grape is exclusively used for the red wines of Naoussa PDO? Describe the typical wine produced from it.
Xinomavro, a variety that is often compared with Nebbiolo. High levels of tannin and acidity, medium colour that quickly fades to tawny. The wines tend to lack fresh fruit aromas even in their youth. They are long-lived and can develop complex spice and earthy aromas with age.
94
Where is Nemea PDO located?
In the north of the Peloponnese, close to the narrow strip of land that joins the peninsula to the rest of mainland Greece.
95
Describe the vineyards in the Naoussa PDO.
The vineyards are at altitudes of up to 400m, and are noticeably cooler than the surrounding area.
96
Describe the vineyards in the Nemea PDO.
The vineyards are spread over a wide range of altitudes from 230m to 900m.
97
How does the vineyard altitude in Nemea PDO impact the grapes grown and wine produced there?
The best fruit comes from the vineyards in the middle of the PDO's altitude range. Fruit from the hotter lower slopes can be overly jammy and tends to be made into fruity wines for early consumption. The fruit from the higher slopes has a higher acidity and less fine tannins - it can add freshness to a red blend but it is best suited to rosé production.
98
What grape variety is used exclusively for Nemea PDo wines? Describe the typical characteristics of the best wine produced from it.
Agiorgitiko. The best wines have a deep ruby colour with high levels of smooth tannins. Low to moderate acidity. Sweet spice and red fruit flavours. These wines have a great affinity for new oak and age well.
99
Describe the location and Characteristics of the vineyards in Santorini PDO.
Santorini is a windswept volcanic island in the Aegean Sea. The winds are so strong that a unique training method has to be used here to protect the vines. The permanent wood is trained very low into a basket shape and the fruit grows on the inside.
100
What grape is Santorini most know for? Describe the typical wines (both dry and sweet) that it produces.
The PDO covers white wines made in dry and sweet styles, made primarily from Assyrtiko. Dry wines from this grape display perfumed aromas and concentrated flavours of ripe citrus and stone fruit, balanced by the natural high acidity of the variety. The sweet wines are known as Vinsanto. These wines have luscious sweetness balanced by high acidity and the older wines show a marked oxidative character of caramel and nuts.
101
Describe how the sweet wine known as Vinsanto are produced?
This sweet wine is made from Assyrtiko. Late-harvested grapes are sun-dried for up to 14 days. The wines are then aged in old oak barrels for a minimum of two years, though many produces age their wine for far longer.
102
What is the climate of the Meseta Central?
Hot continental Climate
103
Name Spain's premier black grape.
Tempranillo
104
which mountain range protects Rioja from excessive Atlantic influence?
The Cantabrian Mountains
105
There are currently only 2 DOCas in Spain, what are they?
Rioja & Priorat
106
Under which name is Macabeo known in Rioja?
Viura
107
Which Spanish region is the most extensive producer of 'Vino de la Tierra'.
Castilla y Leon
108
Name the principal city in Rioja.
Logroño
109
Name the 3 subregions of Rioja.
Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Alta, Rioja Oriental
110
How many varieties are authorized in white Riojas?
9
111
Which Spanish wine region stretching from the coast up into the hills lies immediately south of Barcelona?
Penedes
112
What is the most planted variety in Valpenenas?
Airén
113
Which is Spain's largest DO?
La Mancha
114
Which Spanish region is dominated with plantings of local white grape Merseguera?
Valencia
115
Which vine training method is traditional in Rias Baixas?
Pergola
116
What is the dominant grape in Ribera Del Duero?
Tempranillo
117
Rueda's Traditional white variety is what?
Verdejo
118
What is a Vinos de Pago?
A spanish wine category applied to a small number of reputable wine estates, who use only their own grapes and matured in the estate.
119
Which traditional grapes are associated with the production of Cava?
Parallada, Xarel-lo, Macabeo
120
A red wine with the Spanish designation Gran Reserva must have spent a minimum of how many months in barrel?
18 months (60 months total aging)
121
What is the total minimum aging required for a white Gran Reserva wine?
48 months
122
In Rioja, what does Graciano contribute to the blend?
Concentrated black fruit aromas, acidity and tannins to add structure and help it age.
123
What characteristics of Albarino make it well suited to the Rias Baixas climate?
It is thick skinned, and therefore resistant to rot, in the damp conditions
124
Airen is used primarily for the production of what?
Brandy de Jerez
125
Which black grape variety dominates the blends of Rioja?
Tempranillo
126
What is the key black grape variety in Bierzo?
Mencia
127
Describe Monastrell wines.
The Spanish name for Mourvèdre, Monastrell wines are deeply-coloured and full-bodied, with high levels of tannin and alcohol, low to medium acidity and flavours of ripe blackberry fruit.
128
In Rioja, Instead of joven, what term is used?
Instead the term genérico is used
129
What wines are produced in Ribera del Duero?
A DO for red, white and rosé wines, although in reality the vast majority of production is red wine.
130
What are the 2 important grapes of Rueda?
Verdejo and Sauvignon Blanc
131
Describe the typical characteristics of red wines from the Douro?
Deeply coloured full-bodied with a high level of ripe tannins and rich black fruit flavours. The best examples often display subtle toasty aromas from maturation in new oak.
132
Describe the typical characteristics of the red wines of the Dão.
The red wines from Dão often display delicate red fruit aromas, soft tannins and high acidity.
133
What are the characteristics of wines made from the grape variety Alfrocheiro?
wines that are deep in color with intense aromas of blackberry and strawberry.
134
What is the most dominate black grape variety of Bairrada? Describe its characteristics and how it is used in winemaking.
Baga - it is a late-ripening variety with small, thick-skinned berries giving deep-colored wines with high tannin levels. If underripe, the wines can have high acidity and astringent tannins, but later picking gives wines that are softer and display rich, black fruit flavors. Gentler crushing and maceration techniques as well as blending with other black varieties also produces softer wines.
135
What are the 2 grapes used to create the typical red blend of Alentejo?
Aragonês and Trincadeira
136
Aragonês is also known as?
Tempranillo
137
Describe the main characteristics of the Trincadeira variety (grape and wine).
Trincadeira is a drought-tolerant grape producing wines with spicy red berry flavours and medium levels of tannin.
138
What are the 5 principal grapes of the Douro valley?
1. Touriga Nacional
2. Touriga Franca
3. Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo)
4. Tinta Barroca
5. Tinta Cao
139
How many sub-regions are there in Alentejo?
8
140
Which 3 grapes are typically used in the red blends of Alentejo?
Aragonês (Tempranillo), Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet
141
Which is the largest of the Vinho Regional regions, geographically?
Vinho Regional Alentejano
142
What is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world?
The Douro
143
The Portuguese synonym for Tempranillo is what?
Tinta Roriz and Aragonês
144
Which 2 indigenous grapes dominate in the production of white wine in the Portuguese region of Bairrada?
Bical and Maria Gomes
145
Portugues Jaen is the same as which Spanish grape?
Mencia
146
The best Dão whites utilize which grape?
Encruzado
147
What altitude are most vineyards situated in Dão?
Most vineyards lie between 400m and 500m above sea level
148
What is the largest Vinho Regional region in terms of production, in Portugal?
The largest Vinho Regional region in terms of production is Vinho Regional Lisboa, which stretches north from the capital city of Lisbon.
149
What climate conditions create high-quality grapes in Dão?
Cold, wet winters and warm, dry summers combined with a significant temperature variation between day and night provide excellent conditions for high-quality grapes.
