Grape Varieties Flashcards
What is the GENUS to which grapes belong?
Vitis
Where is it believed that vitis vinifera originated?
The Caucasus Mountains
What is the most common species of vitis?
Vitis vinifera
What is the second most common species of vitis?
Vitis labrusca
What is the vine-type term for things like vitis vinifera?
Species
What is the vine-type term for specific grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay?
Subspecies
Through what method of reproduction do grapes reproduce?
Asexual reproduction
What is the term used for a grape that is the same as its parent, but slightly different due to environmental changes?
Clone
What is the term for a grape that, due to imperfect reproduction as it grows, has changed?
Mutation
What is the term for sexual reproduction between different subspecies?
Crossing
What is the term for a grape resultant from sexual reproduction between different grapes from different species? (aka between vitis vinifera and labrusca)
Hybrid
What is the term for grapes that thrive in a wide variety of regions?
International varieties
What is it called when an international grape is grown in its region of origin?
Traditional, native, or indigenous
Chardonnay planted in WHAT TYPE of climate displays fuller body and more alcohol with more ripe, tropical flavors?
Warm climate
Chardonnay planted in WHAT TYPE of climate displays citrusy, green fruit aromas and medium bodied, crisp acidity?
Cool climate
What are the top three Chardonnay producing regions?
France, California, Australia
Is Chenin Blanc typically high or low in acidic content?
High
What is Chenin Blanc sometimes called in South Africa?
Steen
What are the top producing countries of Chenin Blanc?
France, USA, South Africa
What region of France does Chenin Blanc call home?
The Loire Valley
What is the approximate alcohol level range of Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc?
Medium to High for Chardonnay, Medium-plus to High for Chenin Blanc
What are the three families of Muscat?
Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains, Muscat Alexandria, Muscat Ottonel
What is considered the superior family of Muscat?
Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains
What are the top FOUR regions producing Muscat?
Italy, France, Chila, Australia
Of what grape is Pinot Gris a mutation?
Pinot Noir
What does Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio translate to?
Gray Pinot
Which Pinot Grigio climate produces medium-to-full bodied, medium plus acidic wines with apple, pear, or almond-like character?
Cool climate
What are the German terms for Pinot Gris?
Rulander or Grauburgunder
Which Pinot Grigio climate produces medium-minus acidic, higher alcohol wines?
Warm climate
What grape is known for its highly aromatic qualities, and petrol-like qualities?
Riesling
What quality of Riesling allows it to be a naturally long-lasting white wine?
Its high acidity
What are the top four producing regions of Riesling?
Germany, France, USA, Australia
What Sauvignon Blanc region produces wines with characteristics of tropical fruit, grapefruit, and herbal notes?
New Zealand
Where is older oak-aged Sauvignon Blanc more prevalent?
Bordeaux
What term did Robert Mondavi create in the 1960s to describe his Sauvignon Blanc for marketing purposes?
Fume Blanc?
What are the top five Sauvignon Blanc producing regions?
France, USA, New Zealand, Chile, South Africa
What two grapes and in what regions is Semillon predominantly blended with?
Sauvignon Blanc in Bordeaux, Chardonnay in Australia
Which lesser white wine is appreciated for its floral aromas, and rich, viscous, full-bodied heft?
Viognier
What lesser white wine, known in Germany as Weissburgunder, is one of the main grapes of Alsace?
Pinot Blanc
What floral white wine, with notes of lychee, rose, flowers, and spice, is prominent in Alsace?
Gewurztraminer
What wine wine, the most predominant in Italy, is used in brandy including cognac, and is known in France as Ugni Blanc?
Trebbiano bianco
