Grape varieties Flashcards
Grapes belong to genus ______
Vitis
Which species is used widely for commercial wine making
Vitis Vinifera
It is believed that the vitis vinifera grapes were developed in ________
Caucasus mountain region between Europe and Asia
What is the second most important grape speices
Vitis Labrusca
Where did Vitis Labrusca originate from
It is native to North America
Where and when were the Labrusca grapes found
They were found growing in wild in North America during the colonial period
What are the characteristics of Vitis labrusca
Sweet, flavourful, high in acidity but has an undesirable flavor which is pleasant in fresh grapes but not in wine. It is often referred to as Foxy
Which grape variety has natural resistance to phylloxera
North American vines
What is Phylloxera
A microscopic louse or aphid that lives on and eats the roots of grapes.
What is Scion
A young shoot of the vinifera that can be grafted onto the trunk or rootstock of north american vines to achieve phylloxera resistant plant
Name other North American vine species
Vitis Riparia, Vitis Aestivalis, Vitis Rupestris
Define species with example
A scientific grouping of plants or animals that are genetically similar, have broad characteristics in common, and can produce viable offspring through sexual reproduction. eg: vinifera, labrusca
Define Variety with example
A variety is an identifiable group of vines of the same species that share many characteristics of appearance, flavor and growth. Eg: Chardonnay and Syrah are varieties
What is a clone
In viticulture, the grape varieties are propagated by asexual means, that can be considered as clones or perfect copies of the parent grape. The term is usually used to mean grapes that are slightly different from their parent
Define Mutation with example
A mutation is derived from the vines that has developed different characteristics from its parents or fellow clones through imperfect reproduction of cells. It is a slow and a natural development that can lead to a new type of grape variety altogether.
Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris are considered to be mutual strains of Pinot Noir
What is Cross or Crossing with example
A cross is the offspring of sexual reproduction between different subspecies within the same species.
Eg: Cabernet Sauvignon is a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc
What is Hybrid, give examples
A result of sexual reproduction between 2 closely related but different species such as Vitis Vinifera and Vitis Labrusca.
Eg: Sayval Blanc, Vidal Blanc and Baco Noir
Why were hybrid grape varieties developed
They are grown in an attempt to create a grape that could withstand ravages of powdery mildew, phylloxera, cold weather, humidity and other challenges.
Why are hybrids not universally accepted
They struggle to develop tannins and can be exceedingly acidic.
Hybrids are fertile. True or False
False, Hybrids are not fertile
What is an International grape variety
A group of grape varieties that have been found to thrive in a wide range of growing conditions and are currently grown in many areas throughout the world are International grape varieties
What do you mean by indigenous grape variety
Grape varieties that are planted in their native area are often referred to as traditional, native or indigenous.
Give examples of Indigenous and International grape varieties
International: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc
Indigenous: Airen, Nebbiolo, Xarel Lo, Xinomavro, Furmint
Name the top chardonnay producing countries
France, USA, Australia
Less acidic and fuller bodies chardonnays come from
California and Australia
On what kind of soil does chardonnay expresses itself the most
Limestone soils
Aroma characteristics of chardonnay
Cool Climate: Green apple, melon, pears, citrus
Warm Climate: Tropical fruit aromas
MLF and Oak aged: Butter, vanilla, butterscotch, caramel, toast
Chenin Blanc can be made in what styles
Dry to very sweet
What is Steen
Its another name for Chenin Blanc, mostly used in South Africa
Where did Chenin Blanc originate from
Loire Valley
Chenin Blanc is widely planted in_______ and what % of all plantings does it represent
South Africa and it represents 18% of all plantings
Why do winemakers keep residual sugar in Chenin Blanc wines
To take the edge off the sharp acidity
Name a few styles of sweet chenin blanc
Late Harvest, Noble Rot
France produces more Chenin Blanc than SA. True or False
False, France produces half of SA’s total plantings
Top Chenin Blanc producing countries
South Africa, France, USA
Give a few well known examples of regions known for producing Chenin Blanc
Vouvray, Savennieres, Saumur
Acidity level of Chenin Blanc
Medium plus to High
Describe the aroma characteristics of Chenin Blanc
Green apple, melon, green plum, citrus blossoms, earth, mineral, wet wool, honey and quince.
Muscat is used to produce_____
Sweet wines
Muscat has been mutated many times, name a few varieties from the muscat family
Muscat Blanc a Petis Grains, Muscat of Alexandria, Muscat Ottonel
What does Muscat Blanc a Petis grains translate into
White muscat with small berries
What aromas do all muscats share
Powerful floral aromas and the scent of fresh white grapes in finished wine
Give a few well known examples of dessert muscats with their respective country of produce
Vins Doux Naturels from Southern France
Rutherglen Muscat from Australia
Moscatels from South of Spain
What is Moscato d’Asti
It is a wildly popular Muscat based wine which is moderately sweet and slightly sparkling wine from the Northwestern Italy
Top Muscat producing countries
Italy, France, Chile, Australia
Well known examples or regions of Muscat
Southern france, Northern Italy, Australia
What are the aroma characteristics of Muscat
Musk, honey, orange blossom, floral, apricot, table grapes
Acidity level of Muscat
Low to Medium
Pinot Grigio is a mutation of
Pinot Noir
Why is Pinot grigio also referred to as “Gray Pinot”
Because of the grape’s dusky or lightly pink colored skin
Pinot Grigio of Italy became the ______ of France
Pinot Gris
French Term, Pinot Gris is used to identify
the wines produced in Alsace region of France
Cool climate Pinot Gris has characteristics like
med+ acidity, med-full bodied, apple, pear aromas and almond like character
What is Pinot Gris called in Germany
Rulander or Grauburgunder
Warmer regions display _____ acidity and ____ alcohol than cooler regions
Medium acidity and Higher alcohol
Wines labelled as Pinot Grigio are often
Dry, neutral and unoaked
Well known regions producing Pinot Grigio
Northeastern Italy, Oregon and Alsace
Top Pinot Grigio producing countries
Italy, USA, Germany, France, Australia
Aroma characteristics of Pinot Grigio
Apple, Lemon, Melon, Peach, Minerals and Almond
Why can Riesling be known as an Indigenous grape to Germany
Because of its ability to withstand cold weather
What unique smell does Riesling give to make it easily recognizable
Petrol scent
In what styles can Riesling be made in
Dry, off dry, medium-sweet range
What is a normal range of ABV in wines made from Riesling
7-8%
Other ways from which dessert Rieslings can be made in
Late harvest and Botrytis affected
Describe acidity level in Riesling
The grape is naturally high in acidity and the grape is able to retain it with increasing level of ripeness
Why is residual sugar added in finished Riesling wines
To balance the high acidity in wine
Riesling wines are among the most long lived wines. Why ?
High level of acidity and sugar, both have a preservative effect
Riesling wines are mostly oak aged. True or False
False, the wines are rarely aged
What is Missouri Riesling
It is an American indigenous grape variety. It is nowhere related to Riesling grape
What is White Riesling
It is a synonym of Riesling mostly used in USA
Top Riesling producing countries
Germany, Australia, France, USA
Regions well known for Riesling wines
Germany: Mosel, Rheingau, Rheinhessen, Pfalz
France: Alsace
Australia: Clare and Eden Valley
USA: Finger lakes in NY, Washington State
Aroma characteristics for riesling
Lime, peach, nectarine, apricot, honeysuckle, wet stone, petrol/kerosene, baking spices
Sauvignon Blanc is native to
France
Where in France did the Sauvignon Blanc gain its reputation
Loire Valley and Bordeaux
Sauvignon Blanc grows well in_____ climate
Cooler climate
What defines the versatility of Sauvignon Blanc
It acts as a barometer of soil, site and viticultural practices and can produce different styles of wine depending on where its grown and how is it handled in the winery
Which country has got a reputation for Sauvignon Blanc
New Zealand
What characteristics does Sauvignon Blanc show in NZ
Distinct herb character, fruit forward flavors of Grapefruit and tropical fruit
What is Fume Blanc
It is Oaked Sauvignon Blanc style named by California wine maker, Robert Mondavi for marketing purposes
Sauvignon Blanc table wines are usually
High in acidity and dry
What grape is blended in Sauvignon Blanc and why
Semillon, a low acid grape is added to regulate the acidity in wine
What premium dessert wine uses Sauvignon Blanc in Bordeaux
Sauternes
Top countries producing Sauvignon Blanc
France, USA, Chile, New Zealand, South Africa
Notable regions for Sauvignon Blanc
Sancerre, Pouilly Fume, White Bordeaux
Aroma characteristics for Sauvignon Blanc
Grass, hay, grapefruit, green pepper, asparagus, tropical fruits, gooseberry, flint, smoke, toast
Semillon is best known as
A blending partner
In Australia, Semillon is often blended with _____
Chardonnay
On its own, Semillon shows what character in its wine
It has a distinct oily or waxy character on the palate and shows citrus, floral( honey suckle, lemon blossom), tree fruit(peach, pear or green apple)
When slightly underripe, Semillon displays _____ notes
Herbal
Which region is known for producing wines from 100 % semillon
Hunter Valley, Australia
Where was Vioginer found
Outside of Northern Rhone Valley, France
Where is Viognier widely planted
Australia, California, South America, Texas, East coast of USA
What character does the Viognier show
Rich, viscous, full bodied and aroms of flowers, peach and tangerine
Pinot Blanc is a descendant of ______
Pinot Noir
Where is Pinot Blanc mostly found in
Italy
What are the other names for Pinot Blanc in Italy and Germany and Austria
Italy: Pinot Bianco
Germany and Austria: Weissburgunder
Which grape did Pinot Blanc mutate from
Pinot Gris
What makes Gewurztraminer unique and what are its aroma characteristics
It is one of the most aromatic white grape varieties with a unique perfume of flowers, spice, lychee and rose
Where was Gweurztraminer grape first recorded
Italian Alps
Where is Gewurztraminer mostly grown in
Alsace
Which country is Trebbiano Toscano associated with
Italy
Apart from wines, where else is Trebbiano Toscano/Ugni Blanc used for
making balsamic vinegar, brandy, cognac
What is Trebbiano Toscano called in France
Ugni Blanc
Name the other significant white grape varieties of the following countries
Argentina, Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland
Argentina: Torrontes Riojano
Austria: Gruner Veltliner
France: Aligote, Marsanne, Roussanne
Germany: Muller-Thurgau, Silvaner
Greece: Assyrtiko, Moschofilero, Rhoditis
Hungary: Furmint
Italy: Cortese, Garganega, Glera, Verdicchio, Vermentino, Vernaccia
Portugal: Alvariho, Arinto, Fernao Pires, Loureiro
Spain: Albarino, Godello, Macabeo/Viura, Palomino, Parellada, Pedro Ximenez, Verdejo, Xarel-lo
Switzerland: Chasselas
