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French Wine Scholar > Fundamentals: Grape Varieties, White Grapes > Flashcards

Fundamentals: Grape Varieties, White Grapes Flashcards

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1
Q

Which varieties were the most commonly grown grape in northeastern France (and southwestern Germany) during the Middle Ages?

A
  • Pinot
  • Savagnin
  • Gouais Blanc

Note: their offspring comprise many of the more popular grapes in commercial production today.

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2
Q

Name the grape varieties that are native to France.

A
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Chardonnay
  • Gamay
  • Merlot
  • Malbec
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Syrah
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3
Q

Describe the Aligote grape variety.

A
  • vigorous vine producer
  • aromatic fruit
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4
Q

What are the characteristics of wines produced from Aligote?

A
  • High acidity
  • Medium body
  • pretty jasmin & vanilla perfume
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5
Q

Aligote is a natural cross between which two grape varieties?

A

Pinot x Gouais Blanc

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6
Q

Which regions in France will you find Aligote?

A
  • Beaujolais
  • Bourgogne
  • Rhone (Diois)
  • Savoie
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7
Q

What are the characteristics of the Altesse grape variety?

A
  • very shy producer (a 1.5ton/ac [25hl/] harvest is considered a bumper crop)
  • very resistant to rot
  • can deliver uncompromised clusters despite a long hang time.
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8
Q

Which grape variety has genetic research linked to Altesse ?

A

Chesselas (which is native to the area surrounding Lake Geneva)

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9
Q

Which region is Altesse believed to be native to?

A

Current theory is it is indigenous to Savoie.

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10
Q

What are the characteristics of wines produced from Altesse?

A
  • lively acidity
  • hints of honey & almond
  • full-bodied
  • spicy aromas
  • long-lived
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11
Q

Which regions in France grow Altesse?

A
  • Languedoc-Rousillon IGP
  • Savoie
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12
Q

What are the characteristics of the Auxerrois grape variety?

A
  • ripens to high sugar
  • low acid levels
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13
Q

How are wines produced from Auxerrois described?

A

Fairly neutral

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14
Q

Auxerrois is a natural cross between which two grape varieties?

A

Pinot x Gouais Blanc

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15
Q

Where did the Auxerrois grape originate?

A

Believed to be native to Alsace-Lorraine.

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16
Q

Which regions in France grow the Auxerrois variety?

A
  • Alsace
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17
Q

What are the characteristics of the Bourboulenc grape variety?

A
  • vigorous variety
  • requires high temperatures to ripen its clusters
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18
Q

What are the characteristics of wines produced from Bourboulenc?

A
  • moderate alcohol
  • high acidity
  • aromas of citrus & smoke
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19
Q

What is the origin of the Bourboulenc variety?

A

It has been grown in southern France for centuries but is of unknown origin.

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20
Q

Which regions is Bourboulenc grown in?

A
  • Languedoc-Rousillon
  • Provence
  • Rhone
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21
Q

Chardonnay is indigenous to which French region?

A

Bourgogne

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22
Q

Chardonnay is a natural cross between which two varieties?

A

Pinot x Gouais Blanc

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23
Q

What are the characteristics of the Chardonnay grape variety?

A
  • achieve high sugar
  • high extract levels
  • often run the risk of being low acid
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24
Q

What are the characteristics of wines produced from Chardonnay?

A

Primary fruit aromas of apple & citrus with secondary & tertiary aromas of butter, nuts, ginger & nutmeg.
It is pale white to yellow gold in colour depending on age, winemaking practices and its specific terroir.

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25
Q

Name the synonyms of Chardonnay.

A
  • Beaunois (Bourgogne)
  • Gamay Blanc (Jura)
  • Melon d’Arbois
  • Melon a Queue Rouge
  • Auvernat (Loire)
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26
Q

Which French regions is Chardonnay planted in?

A
  • Alsace
  • Beaujolais
  • Bourgogne
  • Champagne
  • Corsica IGP
  • Jura
  • Languedoc-Rousillon
  • Loire
  • Provence
  • Rhone (Diois)
  • Savoie
  • South-West
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27
Q

Where did the Chasselas variety originate?

A

It is believed to be native to the area surrounding Lake Geneva in Switzerland.

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28
Q

What are the characteristics of the Chasselas grape variety?

A
  • boasts abundant, but inconsistent yields
  • fairly neutral
  • on good sites it picks up a distinctive hint of flint or smoke midst a flavor profile of hay and flowers.
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29
Q

Who is Victor Pulliat and what did he do with Chasselas?

A

He was a French ampelographer in the 1800s (1827-1896), who developed a way to categorize grape varieties based upon their ripening times. He used this Chasselas Dore as the “standard” or “baseline” for all other varieties because this grape was one of the most widely planted at that time and could be used as a reference point throughout Western Europe.

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30
Q

Which French regions is the Chasselas grape variety planted in?

A
  • Alsace
  • Loire
  • Savoie
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31
Q

Which French grape variety is Chenin Blanc related to?

A

Savagnin Blanc

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32
Q

Where is the Chenin Blanc grape from?

A

Its origin is unknown, but research is ongoing.
It was assumed that it was native to northern France through its relation to Savagnin Blanc. However, DNA analysis has determined that it is the same grape as Agudelo, a grape said to be native to Galicia, Spain.

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33
Q

What are the characteristics of the Chenin Blanc grape variety?

A
  • High-vigor
  • Adaptable to different climates & soils
  • Cold hardy
  • Wind resistant
  • Disease resistant
  • Susceptible to botrytis
  • High acidity
  • High extract
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34
Q

What are some characteristics of Chenin Blanc wines?

A

Primary fruit aromas of peach, quince, apricot, apple and pear. Secondary aromas of clotted cream, creme fraiche and buttermilk. Tertiary aromas of ripe grain, fresh straw, marzipan and toasted nuts.

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35
Q

What are some other names for the Chenin Blanc grape?

A
  • Gros Pineau (Loire)
  • Pineau de la (Loire)
  • Rouchelein: (South-West)
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36
Q

Which regions will you find plantings of Chenin Blanc?

A
  • Languedoc-Rousillon
  • Loire
  • South-West
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37
Q

Where did Clairette originate?

A

Believed to be from the Herault departement of Languedoc.

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38
Q

What are the characteristics of the Clairette grape variety?

A
  • Extremely vigorous
  • Prefers warm, rocky, dry sites
  • Prone to oxidation
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39
Q

What are the characteristics of Clairette wines?

A

High in alcohol, low in acidity, with delicate hints of apricot, apple, peach, fennel and lime coupled with aromas of acacia and hawthorn.

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40
Q

Where is the Clairette variety grown?

A
  • Languedoc-Rousillon
  • Provence
  • Rhone
  • South-West
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41
Q

Which grape variety is a natural crossing of Chenin Blanc x Gouais Blanc?

A

Colombard

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42
Q

Where is the Colombard variety native to?

A

The Charente departement in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

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43
Q

What are the characteristics of the Colombard grape variety?

A
  • Prolific producer
  • Floral notes
  • High acidity
  • High sugar levels
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44
Q

Where is Colombard planted?

A
  • Bordeaux
  • Languedoc-Rousillon IGP
  • Loire
  • South-West
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45
Q

What are the characteristics of the Courbu Blanc grape variety?

A
  • High sugar levels
  • Only moderately acidic
  • produces both dry & sweet wines
  • Aromatic expression of grapefruit

Note: this variety is unrelated to Courbu Noir & Petit Courbu

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46
Q

What is another name for Courbu Blanc?

A

Hondarrabi Zuri (Spain)

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47
Q

Where is the Courbu Blanc variety planted?

A
  • South-West
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48
Q

Which grape variety is Folle Blanche related to?

A

DNA research has shown that Gouais Blanc is one of its parents.

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49
Q

Where is the Folle Blanche variety native to?

A

This productive vine is believed to be native to South-West France.

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50
Q

What are the characteristics of Folle Blanche wine?

A

Delicately flavoured, high-acid wine with refreshing notes of citrus and green apple.

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51
Q

What other names is the Folle Blanche variety known by?

A
  • Picpoul (Armagnac): not the same Picpoul of Languedoc fame.
  • Gros Plant (Loire)
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52
Q

Where is the Folle Blanche variety grown?

A
  • Loire
  • South-West
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53
Q

What are the characteristics of the Gouais Blanc grape variety?

A
  • Productive
  • Big clusters
  • Big berries
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54
Q

The Gouais Blanc grape is a parent to which varieties?

A
  • Aligote
  • Auxerrois
  • Chardonnay
  • Gamay Noir a Jus Blanc
  • Melon de Bourgogne
  • Romorantin
  • Sacy
  • Colombard
  • Folle Blanche
  • Grolleau Noir
  • Arbois
  • Riesling

Note: it was a dominant grape variety during the Middle Ages but is not commercially grown today.

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55
Q

What regions is the Gouais Blanc variety grown in?

A

Champagne

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56
Q

What are the characteristics of the Grenache Blanc grape variety?

A
  • Vigorous
  • Low to moderate acid
  • Good extract
  • Prone to oxidation
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57
Q

What are the characteristics of Grenache Blanc wines?

A

Fairly full-bodied white wines with low to moderate acidity. Aromas of green apple and pear fruit and white flower.

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58
Q

Which grape varieties is Grenache Blanc related to?

A
  • Grenache Gris
  • Grenache Noir

They all share the same DNA fingerprint with different phenotypes (outward expressions of those genes).

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59
Q

What other name is the Grenache Blanc variety known by?

A

Garnacha Blanca (Spain)

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60
Q

Where is the Grenache Blanc variety planted?

A
  • Languedoc-Rousillon
  • Provence
  • Rhone
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61
Q

Where is the Gringet variety native to?

A

Legend says it was brought to Savoie by bishops from Cyprus, but it could be native to Savoie.

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62
Q

When does the Gringet variety ripen?

A

Mid-ripening

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63
Q

What are the characteristics of Gringet wines?

A

Floral aromatics, bright acidity and yellow plum fruit.

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64
Q

Which grape variety is Gros Manseng related to?

A

Petit Manseng is a parent.

As the names suggest, Gros Manseng has larger berries (and thinner skin) than Petit Manseng. However, the aromatics are less intense for the former.

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65
Q

What are the characteristics of the Gros Manseng grape variety?

A
  • Large berries
  • Thin skins
  • High acid
  • High sugar
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66
Q

What are the characteristics of Gros Manseng wines?

A

Wines are accentuated by citrus and spice. High acid and potentially high alcohol.

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67
Q

Where is the Gros Manseng variety planted?

A
  • Languedoc-Roussillon IGP
  • South-West
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68
Q

How vigorous is the Jacquere variety?

A

This prolific producer can easily deliver a crop of 6 tons/ac (100hl/ha) each year.

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69
Q

What are the characteristics of Jacquere wines?

A

Lightly perfumed, high-acid whites with hints of wildflower and citrus.

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70
Q

Where is the Jacquere variety planted?

A

Savoie

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71
Q

What are the characteristics of the Marsanne grape variety?

A
  • Extremely vigorous
  • Hardy
  • Generous producer
  • Large clusters
  • Small berries
  • Prefers warm, stony soils
  • does well on less fertile sites
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72
Q

What are the characteristics of Marsanne wines?

A

Powerful wines with moderate acidity, high alcohol and high extract. Aromas of melon and honeysuckle that transition into marzipan and hazelnut.

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73
Q

Where is the Marsanne variety native to?

A

Believed to be from the Rhone.

74
Q

Where is the Marsanne variety planted?

A
  • Languedoc-Roussillon
  • Provence
  • Rhone
  • Savoie
75
Q

Where is the Mauzac Blanc variety native to?

A

Believed to be from South-West France.

76
Q

What are the characteristics of Mauzac Blanc wines?

A

Fairly aromatic, high acid wine with notes of bruised apple.

77
Q

Where is the Mauzac Blanc variety grown?

A
  • Bordeaux
  • Languedoc-Roussillon
  • South-West
78
Q

Which grape variety is a Pinot x Gouais Blanc cross?

A

Melon de Bourgogne

79
Q

Where is the Melon de Bourgogne variety from?

A

Bourgogne; hence the name.

80
Q

What is another name for the Melon de Bourgogne variety?

A
  • Muscadet (Loire)
  • Melon

Note: This grape is not related to the Muscat family of grapes, nor does it display any muskiness on the nose or palate.

81
Q

What are the characteristics of the Melon de Bourgogne grape variety?

A
  • Hardy
  • Frost-resistant
  • Productive
82
Q

What are the characteristics of Melon de Bourgogne wine?

A

Wines have subtle accents of sea and citrus.

83
Q

Where is the Melon de Bourgogne variety planted?

A
  • Beaujolais
  • Bourgogne
  • Loire
84
Q

What are the characteristics of the Molette grape variety?

A
  • High yielding
  • Fairly neutral
  • Ripens with high sugar
  • High acid levels
85
Q

What is the traditional use for the Molette variety?

A

It is incorporated into sparking wine production in Savoie.

86
Q

Where is the Molette variety planted?

A

Savoie

87
Q

Which grapes is the Mondeuse Blanche variety related to?

A
  • It crossed with Dureza to produce Syrah
  • Shares kinship with Viognier
88
Q

Where is the Mondeuse Blanche variety native to?

A

Savoie

89
Q

What are the characteristics of Mondeuse Blanche wines?

A

High-alcohol, low-acid, fairly neutral white wines.

90
Q

Where is the Mondeuse Blanche variety planted?

A

Savoie

91
Q

Where is the Muscadelle variety native to?

A

Gironde/Dordogne area

92
Q

Which grapes is the Muscadelle variety related to?

A

Gouais Blanc is one of its parents.

It is not related to the Muscat family, although both its name and flavour profile intimate otherwise.

93
Q

How are the yields from the Muscadelle vine?

A

Generous

94
Q

What characteristics are expressed by Muscadelle wines?

A

Slightly musky, floral character.

95
Q

Which regions is the Muscadelle variety planted?

A
  • Bordeaux
  • South-West
96
Q

Where did the Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc grape variety originate from?

A

There is some debate whether it originated in Greece or Italy, but most favour Greece as its homeland.

97
Q

How diverse is the Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc grape variety?

A

There are multiple versions:
* Pink-skinned
* Red-skinned
* Black-skinned

98
Q

What are the characteristics of the Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc grape variety?

A

All versions ripen with:
* high sugar
* high extract
* good acidity

99
Q

Which regions is the Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc variety grown in?

A
  • Alsace
  • Corsica
  • Languedoc-Roussillon
  • Provence
  • Rhone
100
Q

Which grape variety is a cross between Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc and Axina de Tres Bias?

A

Muscat d’Alexandrie

Note: Axina de Tres Bias is a black-skinned table grape.

101
Q

What are the characteristics of Muscat d’Alexandrie wines?

A

Not as delicate as Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc. It produces powerful Muscat with intense floral (orange blossom), stone fruit and grape aromas.

102
Q

Which regions have plantings of the Muscat d’Alexandrie variety?

A
  • Languedoc-Roussillon
  • Provence
103
Q

Which variety is a Chasselas x Muscat d’Eisenstadt cross?

A

Muscat Ottonel

104
Q

How does the Muscat Ottonel variety compare to other Muscats?

A

It has less acid, aroma and flavour than many Muscats, but is an early ripener, making it ideal for cool climates.

105
Q

Which region is the Muscat Ottonel variety planted in?

A
  • Alsace
106
Q

What are the characteristics of the Petit Courbu grape variety?

A
  • Shy producer
  • Small clusters
  • Small berries
107
Q

What are the characteristics of wines made from Petit Courbu?

A

Tastes of honey and lemon.

108
Q

Is there any relation between Petit Courbu and Courbu Blanc?

A

There is not believed to be any.

109
Q

Which regions is the Petit Courbu variety planted in?

A
  • South-West
110
Q

What are the characteristics of the Petit Manseng grape variety?

A
  • High sugar
  • High acid
  • Loose bunches
  • Thick skin
111
Q

What is a common technique used in the vineyard for the Petit Manseng variety?

A

Clusters are often left to partially raisin on the vine through the technique of passerillage in order to craft luscious sweet wines.

112
Q

What are the characteristics of wines made from Petit Manseng?

A

Signature flavours of ripe peaches, honey and cinnamon.

113
Q

Which grape is the Petit Manseng variety related to?

A

Savagnin is one of its parents.

114
Q

Which regions is the Petit Manseng variety grown in?

A
  • Languedoc-Roussillon IGP
  • South-West
115
Q

What is the origin of the Pinot Blanc variety?

A
  • Native to France
  • Considered a colour mutation of Pinot Gris
116
Q

What is relation does the Pinot Blanc variety have to other grapes?

A

The Pinot grapes share the same DNA fingerprint with different phenotypes or outward expressions of those genes:
* Pinot Blanc
* Pinot Gris
* Pinot Noir

117
Q

What are the characteristics of the Pinot Blanc grape variety?

A
  • Produces consistent yields
  • Small berries
118
Q

What are the characteristics of wines produced from Pinot Blanc?

A

Fairly neutral white wine of moderate acidity that is accented by subtle notes of apple and almond.

119
Q

What are some other names for the Pinot Blanc grape?

A
  • Klevner (Alsace)
  • Pinot Vrai
120
Q

Which regions is the Pinot Blanc grape variety grown in?

A
  • Alsace
  • Bourgogne
  • Champagne
  • Languedoc-Roussillon IGP
121
Q

Where is the Piquepoul Blanc grape variety native to?

A

Southern France

122
Q

What are the characteristics of the Piquepoul Blanc grape variety?

A
  • Shy producer
  • Thrives in hot climate
  • High acid
123
Q

What does the Piquepoul Blanc name mean?

A

“Lip stinger,” probably due to its high acid level.

124
Q

What are the characteristics of wine produced from Piquepoul Blanc?

A

Aromatic with moderate alcohol. Flavours & aromas of green apple and citrus (predominantly lemon).

125
Q

What other name is the Piquepoul Blanc variety known by?

A

Picpoul

126
Q

What is the relation that Piquepoul Blanc has to other grape varieties?

A

This variety shares the same DNA fingerprint, with different phenotypes, with the following grapes:
* Piquepoul Gris
* Piquepoul Noir

127
Q

Which regions is the Piquepoul Blanc variety planted in?

A
  • Languedoc-Roussillon
  • Provence
  • Rhone
128
Q

Where is the Riesling grape variety from?

A

Rhine Valley

129
Q

Which grape is the Riesling variety related to?

A

It is the offspring of Gouais Blanc.

130
Q

What are the characteristics of the Riesling grape variety?

A
  • Winter hardy
  • Buds late (avoiding spring frost damage)
  • mid-late ripening
  • High sugar
  • High acid
131
Q

What are the characteristics of wines made from Riesling?

A

Notes of peach, apricot, pineapple, citrus, honeysuckle, iris, linden blossom and jasmine.
When aged, a resinous hint of pine nut or petrol.

132
Q

Which regions is the Riesling variety planted in?

A
  • Alsace
  • Languedoc-Roussillon IGP
133
Q

Which grape variety is a cross between Pinot Teinturier x Gouais Blanc?

A

Romorantin

134
Q

What are the characteristics of the Romorantin grape variety?

A
  • Buds early
  • Has trouble ripening
135
Q

What are the characteristics of wines made from Romorantin?

A
  • At optimal maturity: Mineral wines with hints of honey & beeswax.
  • If not fully mature: Lean & austere.
136
Q

Which region is the Romorantin grape variety grown in?

A

Loire; exclusively in Cour-Cheverny

137
Q

Where is the Roussane variety native to?

A

Believed to be native to the Rhone.

138
Q

Which grape is the Roussane variety related to?

A

DNA research links it genetically to Marsanne.

139
Q

What are the characteristics of the Roussanne grape variety?

A
  • Irregular yields
  • Sensitive to rot & mildew
140
Q

How does the Roussanne grape compare to the Marsanne variety?

A

Growers tend to prefer Marsanne because it’s easier to grow, but Roussane is considered the more elegant & aromatic of the two.

141
Q

What are the characteristics of wines produced from Roussane?

A

Complex, age-worthy wines with floral notes, high alcohol (14%) and moderately high acidity.
Expressive aromas of honeysuckle, quince, apricot, acacia and white peach.

142
Q

What is another name for the Roussane grape?

A

Bergeron (Savoie)

143
Q

Which regions is the Roussane variety planted in?

A
  • Languedoc-Roussillon
  • Provence
  • Rhone
  • Savoie
144
Q

Which grape variety is a natural cross of Pinot x Gouais?

A

Sacy

145
Q

Where is the Sacy variety native to?

A

Bourgogne or northeastern France.

146
Q

What are the characteristics of wines made from Sacy?

A

High-acid, low-alcohol wines that taste of pear.

147
Q

What is another name for the Sacy variety?

A

Tressallier (Loire)

148
Q

Which regions is the Sacy variety planted in?

A
  • Bourgogne
  • Loire
149
Q

Where is the Sauvignon Blanc grape variety native to?

A

Loire

150
Q

What are the characteristics of the Sauvignon Blanc grape variety?

A
  • Vigorous
  • Prefers cool, sunny climates
  • Unruly & productive
151
Q

What is the meanin of the Sauvignon Blanc grape’s name?

A

Sauvignon is taken from the French word “sauvage” meaning “wild.” This name may come from the fact that this vine is unruly and productive.

152
Q

Which grape is the Sauvignon Blanc variety related to?

A

It shares kinship with Savagnin Blanc.

153
Q

What are the characteristics of wines made from Sauvignon Blanc?

A

Aromatic with bright acidity. Hints of gunflint, herb, hay, boxwood, gooseberry, lemongrass, grapefruit, pineapple and blackcurrant leaf.

154
Q

Which regions is the Sauvignon Blanc grape variety planted in?

A
  • Bordeaux
  • Bourgogne
  • Languedoc-Roussillon IGP
  • Loire
  • Provence
  • South-West
155
Q

Where is the Savagnin Blanc grape variety native to?

A
  • Northeastern France
  • Southwestern Germany
156
Q

What are the clones of the Savagnin Blanc variety?

A

DNA research has shown that the following possess the same genetic profile as, and are variants of, Savagnin Blanc:
* Savagnin Rose
* Gewurztraminer

157
Q

The Savagnin Blanc grape is the parent of which varieties?

A
  • Petit Meslier
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Chenin Blanc
  • Petit Manseng
  • Sylvaner
158
Q

What are the characteristics of wines produced from Savagnin Blanc?

A

High-acid, high-alcohol wine capable of aging.

159
Q

There is currently a study regarding a genetic link between Savagnin Blanc and which other variety?

A

Pinot

160
Q

Which region is the Savagnin Blanc variety planted in?

A

Jura

161
Q

Where is the Semillon grape variety native to?

A

Believe to be native to Sauternes.

162
Q

What are the characteristics of the Semillon grape variety?

A
  • Thin-skinned
  • Susceptible to botrytis
163
Q

What are the characteristics of wines made from Semillon?

A

Moderate aroma, high alcohol, high extract and moderate to low acidity with a texturous mouthfeel.
In youth, it expresses pear, apricot, citrus and nut skin.
With age, it develops more pronounced spice, caramel, lanolin and beeswax characteristics with age.
It can be deeply pigmented due to its propensity to oxidize.

164
Q

Which regions is the Semillon grape variety grown in?

A
  • Bordeaux
  • Languedoc-Roussillon IGP
  • Provence
  • South-West
165
Q

Where is the Sylvaner grape variety native to?

A

Believed to be native to eastern Austria.

166
Q

Which grape variety is a cross between Savagnin Blanc x Osterreichisch Weiss?

A

Sylvaner (Silvaner)

Note: Osterreichisch Weiss is an offspring of Gouais Blanc.

167
Q

What are the characteristics of wines made from Sylvaner?

A

It often makes for a palate-cleansing, fairly neutral quaff.
On good sites, it can attain a stunningly complex “minerality” and often hints of milled grain and root vegetables.
It is a grape with little aroma that ripens with high acid levels.

168
Q

Which regions is the Sylvaner variety planted in?

A
  • Alsace
  • Languedoc-Roussillon IGP
169
Q

Where is the Ugni Blanc grape variety native to?

A

Italy

170
Q

What other names is the Ugni Blanc variety known by?

A
  • Trebbiano Toscano (Italy)
  • Rossola (Corsica)
  • Roussan (Provence)
171
Q

What are the characteristics of the Ugni Blanc grape variety?

A
  • Easy to grow
  • Vigorous
  • High yielding
  • Good acidty
172
Q

What are the characteristics of wines made from Ugni Blanc?

A

Delicate, neutral whites with subtle hints of citrus and almond.

173
Q

Which regions is the Ugni Blanc variety planted in?

A
  • Bordeaux
  • Corsica
  • Languedoc-Roussillon IGP
  • Provence
  • Rhone
  • South-West
174
Q

Where is the Vermentino grape variety from?

A

This is an Italian grape variety that made its way to the island of Corsica and the south of France.

175
Q

What are the characteristics of wines made from Vermentino?

A

This grape crafts 2 styles of wine:
* Lively, nervy & aromatic with high-tensile citrus notes
* A fat, round style with rich notes of ripe apple, pear and apricot with a touch of sweetgrass

176
Q

What other names is the Vermentino variety known by?

A
  • Malvoisie de Corse (Corsica)
  • Rolle (Provence)
177
Q

Which regions is the Vermentino variety planted in?

A

It prefers coastal locations:
* Corsica
* Languedoc-Roussillon
* Provence
* Rhone

178
Q

Where is the Viognier grape variety native to?

A

Rhone

179
Q

Which grape is the Viognier variety related to?

A

Mondeuse Blanche

180
Q

What are the characteristics of the Viognier grape variety?

A
  • Vigorous
  • Hardy
  • Thrives in poor, dry, stony soils
181
Q

What are the characteristics of wines made from Viognier?

A

Aromatic, high in alcohol, and moderate to low acidity. Aromas of peach, apricot, nectarine, honey, musk, ginger and white flowers.

182
Q

Which regions is the Viognier variety grown in?

A
  • Languedoc-Roussillon
  • Provence
  • Rhone

French Wine Scholar (34 decks)

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