Fundamentals: Grape Varieties, Red Grapes Flashcards
Where is the Brun Argente grape variety indigenous to?
Southern Rhone
What are the characteristics of wines made from Brun Argente?
Similar to Syrah in its pepper and tannin components.
What other names is the Brun Argente variety known by?
- Camarese (Rhone)
- Vaccarese (Rhone)
Which region is the Brun Argente planted in?
Rhone
Which grape is a cross between the varieties Morena and Hondarribi Beltza?
Cabernet Franc
Where did the Cabernet Franc variety originate?
Recent genetic research has shifted this grapes place of origin to Spanish Basque Country. It is a cross between two ancient Basque grapes.
What are the characteristics of wines made from Cabernet Franc?
Moderate tannin, pigment and acidity. Aromas & flavours of tea, tree bark, forest floor, moss, herb, cocoa, violet, strawberry, cranberry and mulberry.
What other names is the Cabernet Franc variety known by?
- Breton (Loire)
- Bouchy (South-West)
- Acheria (South-West - Irouleguy)
Which regions is the Cabernet Franc variety planted in?
- Bordeaux
- Languedoc-Roussillon
- Loire
- Savoie
- South-West
Which grape variety is a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc?
Cabernet Sauvignon
This is a natural crossing that occured sometime prior to the mid-18th century.
Where is the Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety native to?
Bordeaux
What are the characteristics of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety?
- Late-ripening
- Demands warm soils (gravel & sand)
- Needs long growing season
- High acid
- High Pigment
- High tannin
- Moderate alcohol
What are the characteristics of wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon?
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.
Which regions is the Cabernet Sauvignon variety planted in?
- Bordeaux
- Corsica IGP
- Languedoc-Roussillon
- Loire
- Provence
- Savoie
- South-West
Where is the Carignan grape variety native to?
Spain
What are the characteristics of the Carignan grape variety?
- 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
What are the characteristics of wines made from Carignan?
Well-structured, aggressively tannin wines with good acidity and colour.
Carbonic maceration is commonly used to help tame the tannins.
What other names is the Carignan variety known by?
- Carinena (Spain)
- Mazuelo (Spain)
Which regions is the Carignan variety planted in?
- Corsica
- Languedoc-Roussillon
- Provence
- Rhone
Which grape variety is a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Gros Cabernet?
Carmenere
Note: Gros Cabernet (no longer grown in the Gironde) is a cross between two Spanish Basque Country grapes:
* Hondarribi Beltza
* Fer Servadou
Where is the Carmenere variety native to?
Gironde
What are the characteristics of the Carmenere grape variety?
- Susceptible to coulure
- Prefers warmer, drier climates
What are the characteristics of wines made from Carmenere?
Rich, velvety reds with an indescribably melange of Indian spice.
Which regions is the Carmenere variety planted in?
- Bordeaux
- Languedoc-Roussillon IGP
Which grape variety is a cross between Pinot and Gansfusser?
Cesar
Where is the Cesar variety native to?
The area between the Yonne and Rheinland-Pfalz.
What are the characteristics of wines made from Cesar?
Rustic, tannic, spicy red wth generous alcohol.
Which region is the Cesar variety planted in?
Bourgogne
Where is the Cinsaut grape variety native to?
Southern France
What are the characteristics of the Cinsaut variety?
- Productive
- Drought resistant
- Wind resistant
Note: also spelled Cinsault
What are the characteristics of wines made from Cinsaut?
Moderate to low pigment, low acidity, light tannins and expressive red fruit aromas.
Which regions is the Cinsaut grape variety planted in?
- Corsica
- Languedoc-Roussillion
- Provence
- Rhone
- South-West
Which grape variety is a result of a Prunelard x Magdeleine Noire des Charentes crossing?
Cot (also known as Malbec)
Where did the Cot grape variety originate?
The old French province of Quercy in South-West France.
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.
What other names is the Cot variety known by?
- Malbec (Bordeaux)
- Noir de Pressac (Bordeaux)
- Auxerrois (South-West)
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
Where did the Counoise grape variety originate?
South of France
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.
What is another name for the Counoise variety?
Moustardier (Rhone)
Which regions is the Counoise variety planted in?
- Provence
- Rhone
This variety is not widely planted today, despite being a prolific producer.
Where is the Duras grape variety from?
This ancient grape hails from the southern reaches of South-West France.
What are the characteristics of wines made from Duras?
Peppery reds of high acidity, pigment and alcohol.
Which region is the Duras variety planted in?
South-West
Where did the Fer Servadou grape variety originate?
In the Spanish Basque Country as a domesticated wild grape.
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.
What other names is the Fer Servadou variety known by?
- Braucol (South-West)
- Mansoi/Mansois (South-West)
- Pinenc (South-West)
Which regions is the Fer Servadou variety planted in?
- Languedoc-Roussillon
- South-West
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.
Where is the Gamay grape variety native to?
Bourgogne
What are the characteristics of the Gamay grape variety?
- Thin skinned
- Low tannins
- Low pigment
- High acidity
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.
What regions is the Gamay variety planted in?
- Beaujolais
- Bourgogne
- Languedoc-Roussillon IGP
- Loire
- Rhone (Diois)
- Savoie
- South-West
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
Where is the Grenache Noir variety native to?
Aragon, Spain
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).
What are the characteristics of the Grenache Noir grape variety?
- Vigorous & productive
- Wind resistant
- Drought resistant
- Prone to oxidation
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.
What other names is the Grenache Noir variety known by?
- Garnacha Tinta (Spain)
- Cannonau (Sardinia)
Which regions is the Grenache Noir variety planted in?
- Corsica
- Languedoc-Roussillon
- Provence
- Rhone
Where is the Grolleau Noir grape variety native to?
Loire
Which grape is the Grolleau Noir variety related to?
It is the offspring of Gouais.
What are the characteristics of wines made from Grolleau Noir?
Low-alcoho, high acid wines.
What other name is the Grolleau Noir variety known by?
Groslot (Loire)
Which region is the Grolleau Noir variety planted in?
Loire
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.
Which region is the Lladoner Pelut variety planted in?
Languedoc-Roussillon
Which variety is a cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache?
Mareselan
It was developed in Montpellier.
What are the characteristics of the Mareselan grape variety?
- small berries
- thick-skin
What are the characteristics of wines made from Mareselan?
Rich in pigment, tannin and aroma.
Which regions is the Mareselan variety planted in?
- Bordeaux
- Languedoc-Roussillon IGP
- Rhone
Which grape variety is a natural cross of Magdeleine Noire des Charentes x Cabernet Franc?
Merlot
Where is Merlot native to?
Bordeaux
Where does Merlot get its name?
From the French word for blackbird, “merle.” Bird & grape are inseperable at harvest.
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.
Where is Merlot planted?
- Bordeaux
- Corsica IGT
- Languedoc-Roussillon
- Loire
- South-West
Where is Meunier native to?
France
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”.
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.
What characteristics does Meunier contribute to a wine?
- Good acidity
- Moderate alcohol
- Red fruit aromas
- A subtle hint of pumpernickel or rye
What other names is Meunier known by?
- Gris Meunier (Loire)
- Meunier Noire (Loire)
Where is Meunier planted?
- Champagne
- Loire
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.
Where is Mondeuse Noire native to?
Southeastern France
Which variety does Mondeuse Noire share kinship with?
Mondeuse Blanc
They are not colour variants of one another.
Where is Mondeuse Noire planted?
- Languedoc-Roussillon IGP
- Savoie
Where is Mourvedre native to?
Spain
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
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.
What other names is Mourvedre known by?
- Mataro (Spain)
- Monastrell (Spain)
Where is Mourvedre planted?
- Corsica
- Languedoc-Roussillon
- Provence
- Rhone
Where is Muscardin indigenous to?
Rhone Valley
What does Muscardin contribute to red blends?
Acidity and “lift” in the form of floral aromatics.
Where is Muscardin grown?
Rhone Valley
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.
Where is Muscat a Petits Grains Rouge grown?
- Languedoc-Roussillon IGP
- Rhone
What is the origin of Negrette?
Unknown; however it is a grape long cultivated in South-West France.
What is another name for Negrette?
Petit Noir
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.
Where is Negrette grown?
- Languedoc-Roussillon IGP
- Loire
- South-West
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”)
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.
Where is Nielluccio grown?
- Corsica
- Languedoc-Roussillon IGP
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.
What are the characteristics of Persan wines?
Supple but ample tannins, dense raspberry fruit, tangy acidity and ethereal violet aromas.
Where is Persan grown?
Savoie
Where is Petit Verdot from?
South-West France, close to the Spanish border.
It was long believed to be native to the Gironde.
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.
What are the characteristics of wines made from Petit Verdot?
Tannic, highly pigmented, high in alcohol, aromatic with peppery spice notes.
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.
Where is Petit Verdot grown?
- Bordeaux
- Languedoc-Roussillon IGP
- South-West
Where is the Pineau d’Aunis variety native to?
Loire
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
What are the characteristics of wines made from Pineau d’Aunis?
Pale red wines that are moderately tannic, tantalizingly acidic and distinctively spicy.
Where is Pineau d’Aunis grown?
Loire
Where did Pinot Noir originate?
Undetermined, but current theory hints at the Jura.
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.”
What are some characteristics of the Pinot Noir grape variety?
- Aromatic variety
- Ripens with good acidity
- Moderate tannin levels
- Light in colour
What are the characteristic notes of Pinot Noir?
Primary: cherry, strawberry
Secondary/tertiary: earth, leather, violets, clove, cinnamon, sandalwood, smoke & truffles
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.
What other names is Pinot Noir known by?
Auvernat Noir (Loire)
Where is Pinot Noir grown?
- Alsace
- Beaujolas
- Bourgogne
- Champagne
- Corsica IGP
- Jura
- Languedoc-Roussillon
- Loire
- Rhone (Diois)
- Savoie
- South-West
Where is Piquepoul Noir native to?
This ancient grape is native ot the Rhone.
What are the characteristics of Piquepoul Noir wine?
Lightly pigmented, aromatic with good alcohol levels.
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.
Where is Piquepoul Noir grown?
- Languedoc-Roussillon
- Rhone
Where is the Poulsard variety native to?
The Franche-Comte area of France near the Swiss border.
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.
Where is Poulsard planted?
Jura
Where it is called Ploussard.
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.
Where is Prunelard native to?
Garonne/Tarn river valleys
What is the Prunelard valued for?
Its colour, structure & spice.
Where is Prunelard planted?
South-West
Where is the Sciaccarello variety from?
Tuscany
What other names is Sciaccarello known by?
- Sciaccarellu (Corsica)
- Malvasia Montanaccio (Corsica)
- Mammolo (Italy)
Where is Sciaccarello planted?
Corsica
Which grape variety is a natural crossing between Mondeuse Blanche x Dureza?
Syrah
Where is Syrah native to?
The area of southeastern France bordering Switzerland & Italy.
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).
Where is Syrah grown?
- Corsica
- Languedoc-Roussillon
- Provence
- Rhone
- South-West
Where is Tannat native to?
South-West
What are the characteristics of wines made from Tannat?
Deeply pigmented, acidic, tannic, full-bodied wines with raspberry fruit
Where is Tannat grown?
South-West
Where is Terret Noir native to?
This productive vine is believed to be native to the Languedoc.
What are the characteristics of Terret Noir wines?
Tart, pale red wines of moderate alcohol.
What are the colour mutations of Terret Noir?
- Terret Gris
- Terret Blanc
Where is Terret Noir grown?
- Languedoc-Roussillon
- Provence
- Rhone
Which Italian grape variety is Tibouren identical to?
Rossese di Dolceacqua (Liguria, Italy)
What are the characteristics of Tibouren wines?
Pale, earthy, supple wine with mushroom and stone fruit aromatics.
Where is Tibouren grown?
Provence
Where is Trousseau from?
The Franche-Comte area of France bordering Switzerland.
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
What are the characteristics of Trousseau wines?
Deeply tannic, pigmented reds. Flavours & aromas of strawberry jam, raspberry & nutmeg.
What other name is Trousseau known by?
Bastardo (Portugal, Spain); this variety has been grown here for 200 years.
Where is Trousseau grown?
Jura