Grape Varieties CSW exam flashcards
What is the most important grape species in wine? Second most?
Vinifera Labrusca
What are the characteristics of Chardonnay?
Green apple, melon, pear (cool), tropical fruit (warm), butter (malo), Vanilla, butterscotch, toast, caramel (oak)
Where is Chardonnay indigenous to?
Burgundy, France (limestone soils)
Chardonnay’s from warmer regions tend to be what?
More full bodied and higher alcohol
Chardonnay’s from cooler climates tend to be what?
Crisp in acidity with light to medium body
What is one noteable trait of Chardonnay?
Its ability to improve with age
What is the acidity and alcohol in Chardonnay?
Acidity - low to high
Alcohol - medium to low
What are the characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc?
Grass, hay, grapefruit, green pepper (cool) Asparagus, melon (warm) flint (Loire) Gooseberry (New Zealand) Toast, smoke (oak)
What is the acidity and alcohol in Sauvignon Blanc?
Acidity - high
Alcohol - medium
Sauvignon Blanc is native to what region?
France
Sauvignon Blanc is normally a minority ingredient in the sweet dessert wines of what?
The Bordeaux area, including Sauternes
Wines labeled Fume Blanc are assumed to have what influence?
Oak
What are the characteristics of Riesling?
Peach, nectarine, apricot, honeysuckle, jasmine, wat stone “petrol”, baking spices (well aged)
What is the acidity and alcohol in Riesling?
Acidity - high to very high
Alcohol - very low to high
Where is Riesling indigenous to?
Germany
What are the only synonyms for true Riesling?
White Riesling and Johannisberg Riesling
What are the characteristics of Chenin Blanc?
Apple, straw, melon, apricot, almond, citrus blossoms
What is the acidity and alcohol of Chenin Blanc?
Acidity - high
Alcohol - medium to high
Where did Chenin Blanc originate from?
Loire Valley
Like Riesling, Chenin Blanc can be found in what versions?
Dry, sweet, or sparkling
Why are Riesling and Chenin Blanc able to produce good sparkling wines?
Due to their high acidity and ability to be grown in cool climates
What is the South African name for Chenin Blanc?
Steen
What are the characteristics of Pinot Grigio/Gris?
Apple, lemon, melon, peach, minerals
What is the acidity and alcohol of Pinot Grigio/Gris?
Acidity - low to high
Alcohol - medium
Where did Pinot Grigio/Gris originate?
In Burgundy France. A mutation of Pinot Noir.
Pinot Gris usually identifies the type of wine produced in…
Alsace or Oregon (these cool climate wines have high acidity, medium to full body, pear apple, and almond like characteristics)
Pinot Gris is called what in Germany?
Rulander or Grauburgunder
Wines labeled Pinot Grigio are usually what?
Dry and often neutral and unoaked. Some versions can be aromatic and less aged.
What are the characteristics of Muscat?
Musk, honey, orange blossom, apricot, table grapes
What is the acidity and alcohol of Muscat?
Acidity - medium
Alcohol - medium to high
What are some prime examples of well-known Muscats?
- Vins doux naturals from France
- Asti from northeastern Italy
- Rutherglen Muscats from Australia
- Moscatels from south Spain