Grape Varieties Flashcards
In which French region is Carignan most important? Why?
The Languedoc
It was historically valued for it’s high yield and so was heavily planted, but yields reduce naturally and it produces quality juice after 50 years
What are the budding and ripening characteristics of Carignan? What effect do these have on its cultivation?
It is late budding and late ripening
Carignan avoids spring frosts but requires a long, warm growing season
What is Carignan susceptible to?
Powdery mildew
Grape moths
Is Carignan a low yielding or high yielding variety?
High yielding in its youth, but markedly lower as it approaches 50 years of age
Is Carignan suited for mechanical harvesting?
No, as the bunches are firmly attached to the vine
Is Carignan low in acidity? Tannins?
No, it is high in both acidity and tannins
What is the typical character of wine made from Carignan?
Medium ruby
High acid
High tannins
Simple blaclberry aromas in inexpensive wines
Intense black fruit, spice, and earthiness in premium and above wines
What region is known for its cultivation of Piquepoul? Where is it located?
Picpoul de Pinet AOC in the Languedoc, France
What attribute makes Piquepoul valuable in the south of France?
It retains acidity as it ripens in warm climates
True or False
Piquepoul has classically produced still and sparkling wines in France
False. It was used in the production of local Vermouth until the 1970s and 1980s. Gentle pressing, avoidance of oxidation, and low temperature fermentation improved still wine quality
What is the typical character of wines made from Piquepoul?
Dry
Medium (+) to high acidity
Medium body
Medium intensity lemon fruit with light floral notes
What is an alternative name for Malbec?
Cot
What soil type does Pinot Gris prefer?
Heavy, clay soils
Riesling is important in which countries and regions?
Germany (overall)
France (Alsace)
Australia (Clare Valley)
USA (Finger Lakes)
Why has Riesling been so successfully cultivated in Germany? What percentage of plantings does it comprise?
Riesling has thick wood and has been able to survive tough German winters. It is also late budding, which offers it resistance to spring frosts.
Riesling accounts for 23% of German grape plantings.
Why did Riesling plantings fall in Germany during the 1970s and ‘80’s?
Riesling is late ripening and needs dry autumns, which formerly meant that Riesling might not ripen fully in some vintages. More reliable crossings such as Muller-Thurgau that could achieve the legal must weight requirements were planted instead.