Grape Varieties Flashcards
1
Q
Main grape species used for commercial wine
A
Vitis vinifera
2
Q
Common term for grape subspecies
A
Variety
3
Q
Cabernet Franc X Sauvignon Blanc
A
Cabernet Sauvignon
4
Q
Offspring created via typical reproduction of two grapes within the same species
A
Cross (Crossing)
5
Q
Major white grape of Burgundy
A
Chardonnay
6
Q
South African nickname for Chenin Blanc
A
Steen
7
Q
Leading red grape of Burgundy
A
Pinot Noir
8
Q
Offspring created via typical reproduction of closely related but different species
A
Hybrid
9
Q
White grape used in the sweet wines of Rutherglen
A
Muscat
10
Q
Leading white grape of the Clare Valley
A
Riesling
11
Q
Major white grape of Champagne
A
Chardonnay
12
Q
Also known as Grauburgunder
A
Pinot Gris
13
Q
White grape of Sancerre
A
Sauvignon Blanc
14
Q
Red grape of Cahors
A
Malbec
15
Q
Term created by Robert Mondavi for Sauvignon Blanc
A
Fume Blanc
16
Q
Also known as Tinta Roriz
A
Tempranillo
17
Q
Leading white grape of Hunter Valley
A
Semillon (Semillon in French)
18
Q
Grape used in Barolo
A
Nebbiolo
19
Q
Also known as Weissburgunder
A
Pinot Blanc (Pinot Bianco)
20
Q
Predominant variety of the Cognac Region
A
Ugni Blanc (Trebbiano Toscano)
21
Q
Grape (somewhat unique to California) known for “jammy” blackberry flavors
A
Zinfandel
22
Q
Grape variety of Savennieres
A
Chenin Blanc
23
Q
Red grape variety of Chinon
A
Cabernet Franc
24
Q
White grape variety (grown in a few places, including Alsace) with aromas of flowers, perfume, and lychee
A
Gewurztraminer
25
Also known as Cannonau
Grenache
26
Leading red grape of Tuscany
Sangiovese
27
Homeland for Chasselas
Switzerland
28
Three grapes of the G-S-M blend
Grenache
Syrah
Mourvedre
29
What genus to grapes belong to?
Vitis
30
Where did vinifera vines develop?
In the Caucasus Mountains region between Europe and Asia
31
Second most important grape species, commercially
Vitis labrusca
32
What does Vitis labrusca generally make?
Sweet, flavorful grapes fit for fresh consumption or grape juice
33
Example of a Vitis labrusca grape
Concord
34
Generally speaking, why are Vitis labrusca grapes not often utilized in winemaking?
Extremely high acidity, and characteristic flavor component that is undesirable in wine (foxy)
35
What advantage do native North American vines have over vinifera?
Resistance to phylloxera
36
What are the North American vine species?
Vitis labrusca
Vitis riparia
Vitis aestivalis
Vitis rupestris
37
Species
Scientific grouping of plants or animals that are:
genetically similar
have broad characteristics in common
can produce viable offspring through sexual reproduction
38
Variety
Subspecies
39
Variety, in winemaking
Identifiable group of vines of the same species that share many characteristics of appearance, flavor, and growth
40
Clone
Perfect copies of a parent grape; generally used to mean grapes that are slightly different from their parent
41
How are virtually all grape varieties propagated in commercial wine making?
Asexually
42
How do clones occur?
When asexually reproduced grapevines are planted in new surroundings, and slight genetic variations occur as the plant adapts to new conditions
43
Mutation
A vine that has developed different characteristics from its parents or fellow clones through the imperfect reproduction of cells as it grows
44
Example of a Mutation
Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc from Pinot Noir
45
Cross/Crossing
Offspring of sexual reproduction between different subspecies within the same species
46
Hybrid
Offspring of sexual reproduction between two closely related but different species (Vitis vinifera x Vitis labrusca)
47
Examples of Hybrids
Seyval Blanc
Vidal Blanc
Baco Noir
48
Why are hybrids created?
Attempting to create a grape resistant to different moderating influences
49
Why are hybrids generally unsuccessful?
Hybrids struggle to develop adequate levels of tannin and can be be exceedingly acidic
50
One of the most widely grown white wine grapes in the world
Airen
51
International Variety
Grape variety that has been found to thrive in a wide range of growing conditions and are currently grown in many areas throughout the world
52
Indigenous Variety
Grape variety that has not been widely grown outside of its original home or has been tried but the results were unsuccessful
Implies grapes that are grown primarily in one place, have a long history in the area, and have adapted well to local conditions
53
Other names for Indigenous variety
Native or Traditional
54
Autochthonous
Indigenous grapes that are the result of natural cross-breeding or natural mutation in a specific area
55
Where is Chardonnay thought to be indigenous to?
Burgundy; also considered the highest expression due to the limestone soils
56
What is the "California style" of Chardonnay
Less acidic more full-bodied style typically produced in the New World
57
Characteristics of Chardonnay in a warmer climate
Ripe, tropical fruit flavors
Higher alcohol
Fuller body
58
Characteristics of Chardonnay in a cooler climate
Citrus flavors
Green fruit aromas
Crisp acidity
Lighter body
59
Is Chardonnay used to make a sweet wine?
No, although New World producers will leave some residual sugar to round out the body
60
Top producing countries of Chardonnay
France, United States, Australia
61
Chardonnay Profile
```
(Cool) Green apple, melon, pears
(Warm) Tropical Fruit
(MLF) Butter
(Oak) Vanilla, butterscotch, caramel, toast
(Acid) Med - High
(Alcohol) Med - High
```
62
What is Chenin Blanc known for?
Its high acidity levels that make it able to be utilized in dry, sweet, or sparkling styles
63
Most widely planted grape variety in South Africa?
Chenin Blanc, representing 18% of plantings -- this is twice as much as is grown in France
64
Top producing countries of Chenin Blanc
South Africa
France
United States (California Central Valley)
65
Chenin Blanc Profile
(Aroma) Green apple, yellow pear, melon, green plum, citrus, almond, white flowers, chamomile tea
(Aged) Honey and Quince
(Acidity) Medium-Plus to High
(Alcohol) Medium to High
66
What is Muscat primarily used for?
Sweet Wines
67
Well-known Mutations of Muscat
Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains (white muscat with small berries)
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat Ottonel
68
Which mutation of Muscat is considered of a higher quality?
Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains
69
Biggest characteristic of Muscat
Powerful floral aroma
| Scent of fresh white grapes
70
Best known iteration of Muscat
Moscato d' Asti
71
Top producing countries of Muscat
Italy
France
Chile
Australia
72
Muscat Profile
(Aroma) Musk, honey, orange blossom, floral, apricot, table grapes
(Acidity) Low to Medium
(Alcohol) Medium to High
73
Meaning of Pinot Gris/Grigio
Gray Pinot -- in reference to the dusky or lightly pink-colored skin
74
What is the style of Pinot Gris grown in Alsace/Oregon?
Cool climate, medium-plus acidity, medium to full body, neutral aromas displaying and apple-, pear-, or almond-like character, and sometimes a moderate amount of residual sugar
75
Which style of Pinot Gris is the German iteration similar to?
Alsace/Oregon
76
Synonyms for Pinot Gris in Germany
Rulander
| Grauburgunder
77
Compare the Pinot Grigio of the New World to Italy's
New World (California/Australia) is medium-minus acidity and higher alcohol compared ot the cooler regions of production in Italy (Alto Adige/Veneto)
78
Pinot Gris/Grigio Profile
(Aroma) Apple, lemon, melon, peach, minerals, almond
(Acidity) Low to High
(Alcohol) Medium
79
Top producing countries of Pinot Gris/Grigio
```
Italy
United States
Germany
France
Australia
```
80
Why is Riesling one of the few quality grapes that can be grown in Germany?
Ability to withstand cold weather
81
What does Riesling easily reflect?
Variations in terroir
82
What is Riesling able to retain even with increasing levels of ripeness?
Acidity
83
Why are Rieslings able to be aged?
The high acidity balanced with residual sugar -- both of which have a preservative effect
84
US Synonym for Riesling
White Riesling
| Missouri Riesling is a different variety
85
Top Producing Countries of Riesling
Germany
Australia
France
United States
86
Riesling Profile
(Aroma) Lime, peach, nectarine, apricot, honeysuckle, wet stone, petrol/kerosene (depending on ripeness and bottle age)
(Well aged) Baking spices
(Acidity) High to Very High
(Alcohol) Very Low to High
87
Sauvignon Blanc acts as
a true barometer of soil, site, and viticultural practices and can produce many different styles of wine, depending on where it is grown and how it is handled in the winery
88
New Zealand style of Sauvignon Blanc
Distinct herbal character
| Fruit-forward (grapefruit/tropical fruit)
89
When was Fume Blanc created by Robert Mondavi?
1960s
90
Why is Semillon blended with Sauvignon Blanc?
To balance out the acidity as Semillon has a softer acidity
91
Top Producing Countries of Sauvignon Blanc
```
France
New Zealand
Chile
United States
South Africa
```
92
Sauvignon Blanc Profile
```
(Cool Climate) Grass, hay, grapefruit, green pepper
(Warm Climate) Asparagus, melon
(Loire) Flint
(New Zealand) Gooseberry
(Oak Aged) Toast, smoke
(Acidity) Medium-plus to High
(Alcohol) Medium
```
93
Semillon Character
Waxy/Oily on the Palate
Citrus (Lemon/yellow grapefruit)
Flowers (Honeysuckle, lemon blossom)
Tree Fruit (Peach, pear, green apple)
94
What does Semillon display when underripe?
Herbal notes similar to Sauvignon Blanc
95
Well known Australian region for Semillon
Hunter Valley (Hunter Valley Riesling)
96
Viognier Character
Rich, viscous, full-bodied
| Aromas of flowers, peach, and tangerine
97
German/Austrian name for Pinot Blanc
Weissburgunder
98
How does Pinot Blanc differ from Pinot Gris?
Pinot Blanc is generally lighter on the palate and more exotic in its aromas
99
Gewurztraminer Character
Flowers, spice, lychee, and rose
100
Original home of Gewurztraminer
Italian Alps; most prominent in Alsace now
101
Most common white wine variety in Italy
Trebbiano Toscano
102
Other use for Trebbiano Toscano
Commercial balsamic vinegar
103
Synonym for Trebbiano Toscano
Ugni Blanc
104
Primary use of Ugni Blanc
Brandy, including Cognac
105
Significant White Grape of Argentina
Torrontes Riojano
106
Significant White Grape of Austria
Gruner Veltliner
107
Other Significant White Grapes of France
Aligote
Marsanne
Roussanne
108
Other Significant White Grapes of Germany
Muller-Thurgau
| Silvaner
109
Significant White Grapes of Greece
Assyrtiko
Moschofilero
Rhoditis
110
Significant White Grape of Hungary
Furmint
111
Other Significant White Grapes of Italy
```
Cortese
Garganega
Glera
Verdicchio
Vermentino
Vernaccia
```
112
Significant White Grapes of Portugal
Alvarinho
Arinto
Fernao Pires
113
Significant White Grapes of Spain
```
Albarino
Godello
Macabeo/Viura
Palomino
Parellada
Pedro Ximenez
Verdejo
Xarel-lo
```
114
Significant White Grape of Switzerland
Chasselas
115
What about Cabernet Franc is complementary to Cabernet Sauvignon?
Its red fruit and herbal flavors
116
Where is Cabernet Franc bottled as a varietal wine?
In cooler regions that have trouble ripening Cabernet Sauvignon such as Chinon and Bourgueil
117
Top Producing Countries of Cabernet Franc
France
Italy
United States
118
Cabernet Franc Profile
```
(Cool Climate) Cranberry, strawberry, tobacco, mushroom, bell pepper, tea
(Warm Climate) Raspberry, violet
(Acidity) Medium to High
(Tannin) Light to Medium
(Alcohol) Medium
```
119
Why is Cabernet Sauvignon one of the most grown red grapes?
Consistency
Reliability
Depth of Flavor
Ability to develop complex flavors over a long, graceful aging period
120
What gives Cabernet Sauvignon its ageability?
High Tannin Levels, often increased by liberal oak usage
121
There is more ____________ planted than any other quality wine grape in the world
Cabernet Sauvignon
122
What is the "Napa Cab" style?
higher in alcohol, lower in acidity, more fruit forward than Bordeaux
123
Top Producing Countries of Cabernet Sauvignon
France
Chile
United States
Australia
124
Cabernet Sauvignon Profile
(Aroma) black currant, black cherry, eucalyptus, mint, bell pepper (cool climate)
(New Oak) Chocolate, cedar, vanilla, tobacco
(Well-Aged) Coffee, caramel, cigar box
(Acidity) Medium to High
(Tannin) High
(Alcohol) High
125
What does Grenache add to the G-S-M blend?
Color
Acidity
Complexity
126
Where does Grenache thrive?
Hot, dry conditions (hence it can be a higher alcohol variety)
127
Synonym of Grenache in Spain
Garnacha
128
What style of Grenache is highly prized for concentration of flavor?
Old-Vine
129
What do Grenache-based wines tend to do quickly?
Oxidize -- picking up a salmon or orange tinge as well as a rusticity noticeable in the wine's aroma or bouquet
130
Top Producing Countries of Grenache
France
| Spain
131
Grenache Profile
(Aroma) Strawberry, sour cherry, flowers, black pepper, cranberry
(Acidity) Low to Medium
(Tannin) Low to Medium
(Alcohol) High
132
How does Merlot contrast against Cabernet Sauvignon?
Less intense
Less tannic
Less alcoholic
Lighter, brighter fruit flavors
133
Why are Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon frequently blended?
Their aromas are similar but not identical, giving the combination a much richer array of flavors
Cab is late ripening while Merlot is early ripening which decreases the risks at either end of the growing season
134
Top Producing Countries of Merlot
```
France
United States
Spain
Italy
Chile
```
135
Merlot Profile
(Aroma) Blueberry, plum, black cherry, mint, coffee, chocolate
(Acidity) Medium
(Tannin) Medium
(Alcohol) Medium to High
136
What makes Pinot Noir a good variety for sparkling wine production?
Ability to produce flavorful grapes in cool conditions
137
German name for Pinot Noir
Spatburgunder
138
Why are there so many Pinot Noir clones?
It is genetically unstable and prone to mutation
139
Top Producing Countries of Pinot Noir
France
United States
Germany
140
Pinot Noir Profile
(Young Aroma) Raspberry, strawberry, cherry, red flowers
(Mature aroma) Forest floor, leather, mushroom
(Other aroma) Violet, lilac, sandalwood, mushroom
(Acidity) Medium to High
(Tannin) Low to Medium
(Alcohol) Medium
141
Varietal style of Syrah
Inky, dark-flavored, and tannic
142
Top Producing Countries of Syrah
France
Australia
United States
143
Syrah Profile
(Aroma) Blackberry, tar, leather, anise, rosemary, black pepper, smoke, lavender, forest floor, dried fruits, smoked meats (well-aged)
(Acidity) Low to Medium
(Tannin) High
(Alcohol) High
144
Zinfandel Character
Full Bodied
Densely Pigmented
High Alcohol
Jammy rasberry, blackberry, and raisin
145
Synonyms of Zinfandel
Primitivo (Italy)
| Tribidrag (Croatia)
146
When did Chianti producers get the option to use 100% Sangiovese?
1996
147
Sangiovese Character
Lightly Colored
High Acidity
Sour Cherry/Orange Peel flavor
148
Nebbiolo Character
Tar & Roses
Cherry, Blackberry, Licorice
High Tannin
149
Leading red grape of Spain
Tempranillo
150
Tempranillo Character
Strawberry, red cherry, currant, spice
| (Traditional) Leather, tobacco, chalky dust flavor
151
Blending grape of Tempranillo in Rioja
Mazuelo
152
Portugal Synonym for Tempranillo
Tinto Roriz
| Aragonez
153
Malbec Character
```
Deeply colored (Inky black)
Blackberry/plum
```
154
Technical name of Gamay
Gamay Noir a Jus Blanc
155
Gamay Character
Red cherry, strawberry, banana, red candy
Low Tannin
Fruit Forward
(Granite) Rich, age-worthy with black fruit, raspberry, and spice
156
Two false synonyms of Gamay no longer legally allowed in the United States
Napa Gamay
| Gamay Beaujolais
157
Teinturier
Grape with red flesh and skin
158
What is Alicante Bouschet a crossing of?
Petit Bouschet and Grenache
159
When was Alicante Bouschet first cultivated?
1866, became one of the most planted grapes in Europe and North America although that is no longer the case
160
What is Alicante Bouschet used for?
in blends to add body and color intensity
161
Spanish name for Alicante Bouschet
Garnacha Tintorera
162
Significant Red Grape of Chile
Carmenere
163
Other Significant Red Grapes of France
Carignan
Cinsaut (Cinsault)
Meunier (Pinot Meunier)
Mourvedre
164
Significant Red Grape of Germany/Austria
Blauer Portugieser
Blaufrankisch
Zweigelt
165
Significant Red Grape of Greece
Agiorgitiko
Mavrodaphne
Xinomavro
166
Other Significant Red Grapes of Italy
```
Aglianico
Barbera
Corvina
Dolcetto
Montepulciano
Negroamaro
Nero d'Avola
```
167
Significant Red Grapes of Portugal
Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional
168
Significant Red Grape of South Africa
Pinotage
169
Significant Red Grape of Spain
Monastrell (Mourvedre)
170
Other Significant Red Grape of the United States
Petit Sirah
171
Significant Red Grape of Uruguay
Tannat
