Gamay, Grenache, Tempranillo Flashcards
Describe Gamay wine
high acidity, low to medium tannins, red ruit (raspberry, red cherry, red plum)
What fermentation vessel is used for Gamay?
Usually inert
What is the Beaujolais climate? Wine makers commonly use techniques to maximise ___ and minimise ___
What is Beaujolais wine like?
Moderate
maximise colour, minimise tannin
light bodied, low to medium tannin, red fruit
wines from cru appellations are: ___ and ___.
What are very good examples like?
concentrated and structured
Medium to pronounced red fruit (red cherry, raspberry, plum) with a medium to long finish
Wines from Beaujolais are often served at what temp? Are they intended for aging?
slightly chilled, no.
What are the three levels of Beaujolais wine?
Describe each and their vineyard sites
Name a well known village in the highest designation
Beajolais AOC - made from anywhere in the region, mostly flat, fertile vineyards in the south. High yielding vines, simple and lightest bodied
Beaujolais VIllages AOC - less fertile, stonier soils control yield. Greater flavour intensity and finish
Beaujolais Cru - 10 villages, can potentially age in bottle. Fleurie AOC
How thick is the skin of the Grenache grape?
Describe Grenache wine
What is grenache blended with, where? What do these varieties give to Grenache based wine?
What needs to be controlled to produce quality Grenache?
Thin
low to medium tannin, low acidity, high , red fruit (strawberry, red plum, red cherry), spice (white pepper and liquorice)
Syrah in France, Tempranillo in Spain. Colour, acidity, tannin
The yield
What method is used to make grenache rose wine? Describe these wines, do they age?
Short maceration method
dry to medium, red fruit, consume young
What maturation options exist for grenache?
What does bottle aging bring to Grenache?
Inert, oak or old oak to preserve delicate red fruit flavour
Complex flavours of earth, meat, dried fruit.
Name the important Regions for Grenache
Southern Rhone, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, South France, Minervois, Rioja, Navarra, Priorat, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale.
How does Southern Rhone differ from Rhone Valley?
What are Cotes du Rhone and Cotes du Rhone Villages wines like?
The valley flattens, it is warmer due to more southerly latitude
Cotes du Rhone - simple, medium bodied, red fruit and spice.
Cotes du Rhone Villages - higher level of concentration and complexity
What are Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines like? What is a distinguishing feature of the area?
Chateauneuf-du-Pape - Full bodied, high alcohol. Bottle aging brings dried fruit, caramel
Large round stones on the soil surface which absorb heat to radiate at night and reflect sunlight up onto the vine leaves, both aiding ripening.
Do they make rose and red wine in the South of France?
What is Minervois AOCclimate like? What is Grenache used here for?
yes, rose and red wine
Warm, Grenache ripens fully, used to add red fruit and body to local blends
What do they use Garnacha for in Roija DOCa and Navarra DO? What does it contribute?
Dry rose, body, fresh red fruit
What is the climate of Priorat DOCa? What is distinguishing about the Grenache vines? How is the wine made and what are its characteristics?
Warm and dry
very old vines that produce tiny yields of concentrated grapes
Blended with other varieties, matured for an extended time. Concentrated, powerful, develops dried fruit and caramel in the bottle