Grape Varietals: Gamay, Grenache/Garnacha, Tempranillo, Carmenère, Malbec, Pinotage Flashcards
What are the varietal characteristics of Malbec?
• dry • full body • medium acidity • high tannin • concentrated black fruit: - blackberry - black plum • if oak matured, flavors of coffee, vanilla, mocha • if aged, flavors of dried black fruit and cured meat • intensely dark in color, almost purple
What types of climate does Gamay prefer?
• Moderate
Where is Grenache grown in France and what are the GI (Geographical Indications) labeling terms?
Southern Rhône:
• Côtes du Rhône
• Côtes du Rhône Villages
• Châteauneuf-du-Pape
South of France:
• Minervois
What types of climate does Tempranillo prefer?
- Moderate
* Warm
What are the varietal characteristics of Carmenère?
• dry • full body • medium to high acidity • high tannin • herbaceous: - green bell pepper • herbal: - eucalyptus • black fruit: - blackberry - black plum - black raspberry • if oak matured, notes of coffee, chocolate, mocha
What types of climate does Pinotage prefer?
• Warm
What are the varietal characteristics of Pinotage?
• dry • medium to full body • high acidity • medium tannin • bright red fruit: - strawberry - raspberry - red cherry
Where are the important regions in Spain for Garnacha?
- Rioja
- Navarra
- Priorat
What types of climate does Malbec prefer?
• Warm
What types of climate does Carmenère prefer?
• Warm
What are the varietal characteristics of Gamay?
• dry • high acidity • low to medium tannin • no new oak • red fruit: - raspberry - red cherry - red plum
What types of climate does Grenache/Garnacha prefer?
• Warm
Where are the important regions in Spain for Tempranillo?
- Rioja DOCa
- Ribera del Duero DO
- Catalunya PO
What are the varietal characteristics of Tempranillo?
• dry • medium body • medium acidity • medium tannin • red fruit: - strawberry - red cherry • black fruit: - blackberry - black plum
Where is Gamay grown in France and what are the GI (Geographical Indications) labeling terms?
- Beaujolais
- Beaujolais Villages
- Beaujolais Cru (Fleurie)
Where are the important regions in Australia for Grenache?
- Barossa Valley
* McLaren Vale
What are the varietal characteristics of Grenache/Garnacha?
• thin skin • low to medium tannin • low acidity • medium to high alcohol • medium to full body • red fruit: - strawberry - red plum - red cherry • spice: - white pepper - liquorice
The majority of Gamay comes from this region (it’s also the most important region in the world for Gamay)?
Beaujolais, France
Where is Beaujolais in relation to Burgundy?
Immediately south
What style of wine would one expect from a wine labeled Beaujolais AOC?
Simple, light bodied, somewhat fruity - generally an acceptable wine.
For a Beaujolais AOC wine, the grapes can come from:
Anywhere within the Beaujolais region, but mostly from the flat land in the southern portion of the region.
What is the hierarchy of Beaujolais appellations?
From lowest to highest:
• Beaujolais AOC
• Beaujolais Villages AOC
• Beaujolais Crus (e.g. Fleurie AOC or Morgon AOC)
Why are wines from Beauojolais often served slightly chilled?
To showcase their freshness, red fruit flavors, and bright acidity.
In which country did Grenache originate?
Spain, where it is known as Garnacha.