Fundamentals: Grape Varieties, Red Grapes Flashcards
1
Q
Where is the Brun Argente grape variety indigenous to?
A
Southern Rhone
2
Q
What are the characteristics of wines made from Brun Argente?
A
Similar to Syrah in its pepper and tannin components.
3
Q
What other names is the Brun Argente variety known by?
A
- Camarese (Rhone)
- Vaccarese (Rhone)
4
Q
Which region is the Brun Argente planted in?
A
Rhone
5
Q
Which grape is a cross between the varieties Morena and Hondarribi Beltza?
A
Cabernet Franc
6
Q
Where did the Cabernet Franc variety originate?
A
Recent genetic research has shifted this grapes place of origin to Spanish Basque Country. It is a cross between two ancient Basque grapes.
7
Q
What are the characteristics of wines made from Cabernet Franc?
A
Moderate tannin, pigment and acidity. Aromas & flavours of tea, tree bark, forest floor, moss, herb, cocoa, violet, strawberry, cranberry and mulberry.
8
Q
What other names is the Cabernet Franc variety known by?
A
- Breton (Loire)
- Bouchy (South-West)
- Acheria (South-West - Irouleguy)
9
Q
Which regions is the Cabernet Franc variety planted in?
A
- Bordeaux
- Languedoc-Roussillon
- Loire
- Savoie
- South-West
10
Q
Which grape variety is a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc?
A
Cabernet Sauvignon
This is a natural crossing that occured sometime prior to the mid-18th century.
11
Q
Where is the Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety native to?
A
Bordeaux
12
Q
What are the characteristics of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety?
A
- Late-ripening
- Demands warm soils (gravel & sand)
- Needs long growing season
- High acid
- High Pigment
- High tannin
- Moderate alcohol
13
Q
What are the characteristics of wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon?
A
High acid, high pigment, high tannin, moderate alcohol reds.
Flavors of black cherry, black/red currant, lilac, tobacco/cigar box, graphite, cedar, cocoa, tea, chocolate and herb.
14
Q
Which regions is the Cabernet Sauvignon variety planted in?
A
- Bordeaux
- Corsica IGP
- Languedoc-Roussillon
- Loire
- Provence
- Savoie
- South-West
15
Q
Where is the Carignan grape variety native to?
A
Spain
16
Q
What are the characteristics of the Carignan grape variety?
A
- Vigorous
- Drought resistant
- Wind resistant
- Produces an abundant crop
- Very late ripening
- Thrives in warm, sun-drenched locales
- Prefers low-vigor sites: dry & rocky hillsides
17
Q
What are the characteristics of wines made from Carignan?
A
Well-structured, aggressively tannin wines with good acidity and colour.
Carbonic maceration is commonly used to help tame the tannins.
18
Q
What other names is the Carignan variety known by?
A
- Carinena (Spain)
- Mazuelo (Spain)
19
Q
Which regions is the Carignan variety planted in?
A
- Corsica
- Languedoc-Roussillon
- Provence
- Rhone
20
Q
Which grape variety is a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Gros Cabernet?
A
Carmenere
Note: Gros Cabernet (no longer grown in the Gironde) is a cross between two Spanish Basque Country grapes:
* Hondarribi Beltza
* Fer Servadou
21
Q
Where is the Carmenere variety native to?
A
Gironde
22
Q
What are the characteristics of the Carmenere grape variety?
A
- Susceptible to coulure
- Prefers warmer, drier climates
23
Q
What are the characteristics of wines made from Carmenere?
A
Rich, velvety reds with an indescribably melange of Indian spice.
24
Q
Which regions is the Carmenere variety planted in?
A
- Bordeaux
- Languedoc-Roussillon IGP
25
Which grape variety is a cross between **Pinot** and **Gansfusser**?
**Cesar**
26
Where is the **Cesar** variety native to?
The area between the *Yonne* and *Rheinland-Pfalz*.
27
What are the characteristics of wines made from **Cesar**?
Rustic, tannic, spicy red wth generous alcohol.
28
Which region is the **Cesar** variety planted in?
**Bourgogne**
29
Where is the **Cinsaut** grape variety native to?
Southern France
30
What are the characteristics of the **Cinsaut** variety?
* Productive
* Drought resistant
* Wind resistant
Note: also spelled **Cinsault**
31
What are the characteristics of wines made from **Cinsaut**?
Moderate to low pigment, low acidity, light tannins and expressive red fruit aromas.
32
Which regions is the **Cinsaut** grape variety planted in?
* **Corsica**
* **Languedoc-Roussillion**
* **Provence**
* **Rhone**
* **South-West**
33
Which grape variety is a result of a **Prunelard** x **Magdeleine Noire des Charentes** crossing?
**Cot** (also known as **Malbec**)
34
Where did the **Cot** grape variety originate?
The old French province of *Quercy* in **South-West** France.
35
What are the characteristics of wines made from the **Cot** variety?
Notes of blackberry, plum and prune fruit, low acid and supple yet ample tannins.
This wine has been referred to as "black" since the 18th century, attesting to its high levels of pigment.
36
What other names is the **Cot** variety known by?
* **Malbec** (**Bordeaux**)
* **Noir de Pressac** (**Bordeaux**)
* **Auxerrois** (**South-West**)
37
Which region is the **Cot** variety planted in?
* **Bordeaux**
* **Languedoc-Roussillon**
* **Loire**
* **South-West**; **Cahors** was its capital city and lays claim to the grape
38
Where did the **Counoise** grape variety originate?
South of France
39
What are the characteristics of wines made from **Counoise**?
Contributes fruit, spice and acidity to a red blend but only moderate amounts of tannin and alcohol and a little pigment.
40
What is another name for the **Counoise** variety?
**Moustardier** (**Rhone**)
41
Which regions is the **Counoise** variety planted in?
* **Provence**
* **Rhone**
This variety is not widely planted today, despite being a prolific producer.
42
Where is the **Duras** grape variety from?
This ancient grape hails from the southern reaches of **South-West** France.
43
What are the characteristics of wines made from **Duras**?
Peppery reds of high acidity, pigment and alcohol.
44
Which region is the **Duras** variety planted in?
**South-West**
45
Where did the **Fer Servadou** grape variety originate?
In the Spanish Basque Country as a domesticated wild grape.
46
What are the characteristics of wines made from **Fer Servadou**?
It is similar in taste and structure to Cabernet Franc.
This hard vine delivers well-structured wines of tannin, pigment and acidity.
47
What other names is the **Fer Servadou** variety known by?
* **Braucol** (**South-West**)
* **Mansoi**/**Mansois** (**South-West**)
* **Pinenc** (**South-West**)
48
Which regions is the **Fer Servadou** variety planted in?
* **Languedoc-Roussillon**
* **South-West**
49
Which grape variety is a natural cross between **Gouais Blanc** and a member of the **Pinot** family?
**Gamay Noir a Jus Blanc** (Black Gamay with White Juice)
Commonly referred to as **Gamay**.
50
Where is the **Gamay** grape variety native to?
**Bourgogne**
51
What are the characteristics of the **Gamay** grape variety?
* Thin skinned
* Low tannins
* Low pigment
* High acidity
52
What are the characteristics of wines made from **Gamay**?
Light- to medium-bodied with bright purple pigments. It possesses vibrant red berry fruits such as cranberry, raspberry and strawberry and pretty aromas of rose, iris and violet.
It often carries a subtle hint of hard candy.
It is most often vinified by carbonic maceration.
53
What regions is the **Gamay** variety planted in?
* **Beaujolais**
* **Bourgogne**
* **Languedoc-Roussillon IGP**
* **Loire**
* **Rhone** (*Diois*)
* **Savoie**
* **South-West**
54
What are some facts about the **Gouais Noir** grape variety?
* Black-skinned variant of Gouais Blanc
* One of three traditional varieties grown in Champagen from the 9th-16th centuries
* Completely disappeared in the 19th century
55
Where is the **Grenache Noir** variety native to?
Aragon, Spain
56
Which grapes is the **Grenache Noir** variety related to?
It shares the same DNA fingerprint with:
* **Grenache Blanc**
* **Grenache Gris**
Each of these varieties has a different phenotype (outward expression of those genes).
57
What are the characteristics of the **Grenache Noir** grape variety?
* Vigorous & productive
* Wind resistant
* Drought resistant
* Prone to oxidation
58
What are the characteristics of wines produced from **Grenache Noir**?
High-alcohol with moderate acidity, pigment and tannin. Notes of bright strawberry, wild cherry and prune fruit with a dash of licorice and spice.
59
What other names is the **Grenache Noir** variety known by?
* **Garnacha Tinta** (Spain)
* **Cannonau** (Sardinia)
60
Which regions is the **Grenache Noir** variety planted in?
* **Corsica**
* **Languedoc-Roussillon**
* **Provence**
* **Rhone**
61
Where is the **Grolleau Noir** grape variety native to?
**Loire**
62
Which grape is the **Grolleau Noir** variety related to?
It is the offspring of **Gouais**.
63
What are the characteristics of wines made from **Grolleau Noir**?
Low-alcoho, high acid wines.
64
What other name is the **Grolleau Noir** variety known by?
**Groslot** (**Loire**)
65
Which region is the **Grolleau Noir** variety planted in?
**Loire**
66
Which grape variety is a hairy-leafed mutation of **Grenache Noir**?
**Lladoner Pelut**
This variety ripens with less sugar and higher acid compared to **Grenache Noir**.
It is considere a separate variety in France, but is part of the **Grenache** family.
67
Which region is the **Lladoner Pelut** variety planted in?
**Languedoc-Roussillon**
68
Which variety is a cross between **Cabernet Sauvignon** and **Grenache**?
**Mareselan**
It was developed in Montpellier.
69
What are the characteristics of the **Mareselan** grape variety?
* small berries
* thick-skin
70
What are the characteristics of wines made from **Mareselan**?
Rich in pigment, tannin and aroma.
71
Which regions is the **Mareselan** variety planted in?
* **Bordeaux**
* **Languedoc-Roussillon IGP**
* **Rhone**
72
Which grape variety is a natural cross of **Magdeleine Noire des Charentes** x **Cabernet Franc**?
**Merlot**
73
Where is **Merlot** native to?
**Bordeaux**
74
Where does **Merlot** get its name?
From the French word for blackbird, "*merle*." Bird & grape are inseperable at harvest.
75
What are the characteristics of wine made from **Merlot**?
Moderately tannic, moderately pigmented, high-alcohol reds with moderate to low acidity.
Notes of blueberry, cherry & plum fruits with nuances of coffee, spice & cocoa.
76
Where is **Merlot** planted?
* **Bordeaux**
* **Corsica IGT**
* **Languedoc-Roussillon**
* **Loire**
* **South-West**
77
Where is **Meunier** native to?
France
78
How is **Pinot Meunier** genetically different than other **Pinots**?
**Pinot Blanc**, **Gris** & **Noir** share the same genotype but have different phenotypes or outward expressions of that DNA.
**Pinot Meunier** is a chimeric mutation, meaning it has **2** different types of DNA:
* the **Pinot** genotype for its internal cells
* and a completely different genotype for its outer layer/epidermis
For this reason, many opt to simply call it "**Meunier**".
79
Where does **Meunier** get its name?
This name translates as "Miller," because the underside of the leaf looks as if it has been dusted with flour.
80
What characteristics does **Meunier** contribute to a wine?
* Good acidity
* Moderate alcohol
* Red fruit aromas
* A subtle hint of pumpernickel or rye
81
What other names is **Meunier** known by?
* **Gris Meunier** (**Loire**)
* **Meunier Noire** (**Loire**)
82
Where is **Meunier** planted?
* **Champagne**
* **Loire**
83
How does the **Mondeuse Noire** grape perform differently based on location & soil?
On less fertile sites (slopes, rocky soils): yields are curtailed naturally and the fruit delivers a wine that is high in colour, acidity, alcohol and extract with ample tannins.
In more fertile locations (valley floor, sandy-loam soils): yields climb, the vine overproduces, grapes struggle to ripen and the wine produced is often astringent, thin and tart.
Ample sunshine is required for the grapes to develop to their fullest potential.
84
Where is **Mondeuse Noire** native to?
Southeastern France
85
Which variety does **Mondeuse Noire** share kinship with?
**Mondeuse Blanc**
They are not colour variants of one another.
86
Where is **Mondeuse Noire** planted?
* **Languedoc-Roussillon IGP**
* **Savoie**
87
Where is **Mourvedre** native to?
Spain
88
Why does **Mourvedre** thrive best near the Mediterranean coastline?
* Needs significant warmth to mature fruit
* Needs lots of light to mature fruit
* Vulnerable to winter freezes
89
What are the characteristics of wines made from **Mourvedre**?
Densely pigmented with high levels of alcohol and tannin.
Notes of herbs, ripe plum and strawberry fruity with a subtle meaty undercurrent.
Its aromatic profile gains complexity and intensifies with age. With time in the cellar, aromas of leather & truffles appear.
At any point it might pick up barnyard aromas due to its tendency to be reductive.
90
What other names is **Mourvedre** known by?
* **Mataro** (Spain)
* **Monastrell** (Spain)
91
Where is **Mourvedre** planted?
* **Corsica**
* **Languedoc-Roussillon**
* **Provence**
* **Rhone**
92
Where is **Muscardin** indigenous to?
**Rhone Valley**
93
What does **Muscardin** contribute to red blends?
Acidity and "lift" in the form of floral aromatics.
94
Where is **Muscardin** grown?
**Rhone Valley**
95
Which variety is a red-skinned member of the **Muscat** family?
**Muscat a Petits Grains Rouge**
It produces a pigmented wine with an intensely grapey aroma.
96
Where is **Muscat a Petits Grains Rouge** grown?
* **Languedoc-Roussillon IGP**
* **Rhone**
97
What is the origin of **Negrette**?
Unknown; however it is a grape long cultivated in **South-West** France.
98
What is another name for **Negrette**?
**Petit Noir**
99
What are the characteristics of wines produced from **Negrette**?
Supple, fragrant, deeply pigmented with low to moderate tannin and acidity.
On the palate, there are hints of blackcurrant & licorice.
100
Where is **Negrette** grown?
* **Languedoc-Roussillon IGP**
* **Loire**
* **South-West**
101
What other name is the **Nielluccio** variety known by?
* **Sangiovese** (Italy)
* **Niellucciu** (**Corsica**): In Corsica, all masculine words end in "u" (vs. the Italian "o")
102
What are the characteristics of wines made from **Nielluccio**?
High acidity, low extract and moderate alcohol. The tannin, although of moderate level, can be astringent in nature.
The wines are prone to oxidation and are known for aromas of baked terra cotta and dried orange peel.
103
Where is **Nielluccio** grown?
* **Corsica**
* **Languedoc-Roussillon IGP**
104
Why is **Persan** difficult to grow?
* Early budding; it often succumbs to spring frost (yields are regularly impacted)
* Susceptible to mildew
As a result, this traditional **Savoyard** grape is in decline.
105
What are the characteristics of **Persan** wines?
Supple but ample tannins, dense raspberry fruit, tangy acidity and ethereal violet aromas.
106
Where is **Persan** grown?
**Savoie**
107
Where is **Petit Verdot** from?
**South-West** France, close to the Spanish border.
It was long believed to be native to the **Gironde**.
108
How has climate change impacted **Petit Verdot** in the vineyard?
Historically, it often failed to ripen and was very inconsistent in yield. This resulted in the grape falling out of favour.
Global warming has enabled this vine to start ripening its fruit more consistently.
109
What are the characteristics of wines made from **Petit Verdot**?
Tannic, highly pigmented, high in alcohol, aromatic with peppery spice notes.
110
What is another name for **Petit Verdot**?
**Lambrusquet** (**Bordeaux**)
This name (from *lambrusques*) refers to the shape & structure of the grape vine which suggests it is descended from wild vines.
111
Where is **Petit Verdot** grown?
* **Bordeaux**
* **Languedoc-Roussillon IGP**
* **South-West**
112
Where is the **Pineau d'Aunis** variety native to?
**Loire**
113
Where does **Pineau d'Aunis** get its name?
Like **Pinot**, it takes its name from the French word "*pin*" meaning "pine", which references the compact, pine cone-like shape of its clusters.
Note: this grape is not a member of the **Pinot** family
114
What are the characteristics of wines made from **Pineau d'Aunis**?
Pale red wines that are moderately tannic, tantalizingly acidic and distinctively spicy.
115
Where is **Pineau d'Aunis** grown?
**Loire**
116
Where did **Pinot Noir** originate?
Undetermined, but current theory hints at the **Jura**.
117
Where does **Pinot Noir** get its name?
The word "**Pinot**" is derived from the French word "*pin*" meaning "*pine*" and references the compact, pine cone-like shape of its clusters.
**Noir** translates as "black."
118
What are some characteristics of the **Pinot Noir** grape variety?
* Aromatic variety
* Ripens with good acidity
* Moderate tannin levels
* Light in colour
119
What are the characteristic notes of **Pinot Noir**?
**Primary**: cherry, strawberry
**Secondary**/**tertiary**: earth, leather, violets, clove, cinnamon, sandalwood, smoke & truffles
120
Which varieties does the **Pinot Noir** grape share kinship with?
* Spontaneously crossed with **Gouais** to creat many grape varieties cultivated today
* related to **Savagnin**
Note: because **Pinot Blanc**, **Gris** & **Noir** share the same genotype, it is impossible to know which **Pinot** participated in all those crosses.
121
What other names is **Pinot Noir** known by?
**Auvernat Noir** (**Loire**)
122
Where is **Pinot Noir** grown?
* **Alsace**
* **Beaujolas**
* **Bourgogne**
* **Champagne**
* **Corsica IGP**
* **Jura**
* **Languedoc-Roussillon**
* **Loire**
* **Rhone** (**Diois**)
* **Savoie**
* **South-West**
123
Where is **Piquepoul Noir** native to?
This ancient grape is native ot the **Rhone**.
124
What are the characteristics of **Piquepoul Noir** wine?
Lightly pigmented, aromatic with good alcohol levels.
125
Which varieties is the **Piquepoul Noir** grape related to?
**Picpoul Gris** (rarely seen) and **Picpoul Blanc** (widely planted) are skin-colour variants. All 3 share the same DNA fingerprint with different phenotypes or outward expressions of those genes.
126
Where is **Piquepoul Noir** grown?
* **Languedoc-Roussillon**
* **Rhone**
127
Where is the **Poulsard** variety native to?
The *Franche-Comte* area of France near the Swiss border.
128
What are the characteristics of **Poulsard** wines?
Lightly pigmented due to its thin-skin, with delicate perfume. Flavours & aromas of red currants, wild strawberries and smoke.
It tends to oxidize and often picks up a salmon hue. For this reason, it is often crafted into *vin gris* or a still *blanc de noirs*.
129
Where is **Poulsard** planted?
**Jura**
Where it is called **Ploussard**.
130
Which ancient grape variety is the father of **Malbec**?
**Prunelard**/**Prunelart**
This variety fell out of favour after phylloxera struck and was not replanted due to its low yields. As of 2008, it has undergone a resurgence.
131
Where is **Prunelard** native to?
*Garonne*/*Tarn* river valleys
132
What is the **Prunelard** valued for?
Its colour, structure & spice.
133
Where is **Prunelard** planted?
**South-West**
134
Where is the **Sciaccarello** variety from?
Tuscany
135
What other names is **Sciaccarello** known by?
* **Sciaccarellu** (**Corsica**)
* **Malvasia Montanaccio** (**Corsica**)
* **Mammolo** (Italy)
136
Where is **Sciaccarello** planted?
**Corsica**
137
Which grape variety is a natural crossing between **Mondeuse Blanche** x **Dureza**?
**Syrah**
138
Where is **Syrah** native to?
The area of southeastern France bordering Switzerland & Italy.
139
What are the characteristics of **Syrah** wines?
Densely pigmented, tannic, with moderate alcohol and acidity. Notes of cherry and plum fruits with distinctive accents of white pepper, black pepper, sun-dried tomatoes, herb, cocoa and fountain-pen ink.
Wines can also display leathery, gamey, barnyard notes due to Syrah's reductive nature (it does not bond with oxygen very easily).
140
Where is **Syrah** grown?
* **Corsica**
* **Languedoc-Roussillon**
* **Provence**
* **Rhone**
* **South-West**
141
Where is **Tannat** native to?
**South-West**
142
What are the characteristics of wines made from **Tannat**?
Deeply pigmented, acidic, tannic, full-bodied wines with raspberry fruit
143
Where is **Tannat** grown?
**South-West**
144
Where is **Terret Noir** native to?
This productive vine is believed to be native to the **Languedoc**.
145
What are the characteristics of **Terret Noir** wines?
Tart, pale red wines of moderate alcohol.
146
What are the colour mutations of **Terret Noir**?
* **Terret Gris**
* **Terret Blanc**
147
Where is **Terret Noir** grown?
* **Languedoc-Roussillon**
* **Provence**
* **Rhone**
148
Which Italian grape variety is **Tibouren** identical to?
**Rossese di Dolceacqua** (Liguria, Italy)
149
What are the characteristics of **Tibouren** wines?
Pale, earthy, supple wine with mushroom and stone fruit aromatics.
150
Where is **Tibouren** grown?
**Provence**
151
Where is **Trousseau** from?
The *Franche-Comte* area of France bordering Switzerland.
152
What are the characteristics of the **Trousseau** grape variety?
* Late-ripening
* Needs plenty of sun
* Requires fairly warm soils
Note: it has a hard time achieving full ripeness in Jura. It has had more success in Spain & Portugal
153
What are the characteristics of **Trousseau** wines?
Deeply tannic, pigmented reds. Flavours & aromas of strawberry jam, raspberry & nutmeg.
154
What other name is **Trousseau** known by?
**Bastardo** (Portugal, Spain); this variety has been grown here for 200 years.
155
Where is **Trousseau** grown?
**Jura**
