Grape Variety Flashcards
What are the primary characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon?
High tannin, high acidity, black fruit (blackcurrant, black cherry), herbaceous (green bell pepper), oak (vanilla, cedar), often blended with Merlot.
Example sentence: The Cabernet Sauvignon had a bold flavor profile with intense black fruit notes.
Where is Cabernet Sauvignon most commonly grown?
Bordeaux (Left Bank), Napa Valley (USA), Coonawarra (Australia), Maipo Valley (Chile), Stellenbosch (South Africa).
Describe the typical characteristics of Merlot.
Medium acidity, medium tannin, red fruit (strawberry, plum), black fruit (blackberry), often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon to soften tannins.
What are the key regions for Merlot?
Bordeaux (Right Bank), Napa Valley (USA), Chile, Hawke’s Bay (New Zealand).
What are the distinguishing features of Pinot Noir?
Low to medium tannin, high acidity, red fruit (cherry, raspberry), earthy notes with age (mushroom, forest floor), sensitive to climate.
Where is Pinot Noir primarily cultivated?
Burgundy (France), Oregon (USA), Central Otago (New Zealand), Tasmania (Australia), Germany (Spätburgunder).
What is Syrah/Shiraz known for?
Medium to high tannin, medium acidity, black fruit (blackberry, blueberry), spice (black pepper, licorice), oak (vanilla, smoke).
Name the major regions for Syrah/Shiraz.
Rhône Valley (France), Barossa Valley (Australia), McLaren Vale (Australia), California (USA).
What are the typical characteristics of Chardonnay?
Versatile style, can range from green apple, lemon (cool climates) to tropical fruit (warm climates), often has oak influence (vanilla, toast), can be buttery from malolactic fermentation.
List the main regions where Chardonnay is grown.
Burgundy (Chablis, Côte de Beaune), Champagne (blended in sparkling wines), California (Napa, Sonoma), Australia (Yarra Valley), Chile (Casablanca Valley).
Describe Sauvignon Blanc’s typical profile.
High acidity, aromatic, green fruit (apple, gooseberry), citrus, herbaceous (grass, green bell pepper), often unoaked.
Where is Sauvignon Blanc primarily grown?
Loire Valley (Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé), Marlborough (New Zealand), Bordeaux (often blended with Sémillon), Chile, South Africa.
What are the key characteristics of Riesling?
High acidity, aromatic, range of sweetness levels, green fruit (apple, pear), citrus (lime, lemon), floral (blossom), petrol notes with age.
Name the important regions for Riesling.
Germany (Mosel, Rheingau), Alsace (France), Austria, Australia (Clare Valley, Eden Valley).
Describe the characteristics of Sémillon.
Medium to high acidity, often blended, notes of lemon, apple, grassy when young, develops honey and nuts with age.
Where is Sémillon most commonly found?
Bordeaux (often blended with Sauvignon Blanc for sweet and dry wines), Hunter Valley (Australia), South Africa.
What are the distinguishing features of Chenin Blanc?
High acidity, versatile in style, can range from dry to sweet, green apple, citrus, tropical fruit, honey and nuts with age.
Name the major regions for Chenin Blanc.
Loire Valley (Vouvray), South Africa (often called Steen), California.
What is unique about Gewürztraminer?
Low to medium acidity, aromatic, lychee, rose, peach, often off-dry, can be full-bodied with high alcohol.
Where is Gewürztraminer primarily cultivated?
Alsace (France), Germany, New Zealand, USA (California).
Describe the characteristics of Tempranillo.
Medium acidity, medium to high tannin, red fruit (strawberry, cherry), leather and tobacco with age, often oaked.
What are the key regions for Tempranillo?
Spain (Rioja, Ribera del Duero), Portugal (often blended in Port), USA.
Describe the characteristics of Tempranillo.
Medium acidity, medium to high tannin, red fruit (strawberry, cherry), leather and tobacco with age, often oaked.
What are the key regions for Tempranillo?
Spain (Rioja, Ribera del Duero), Portugal (often blended in Port), USA (California, Texas).
What are the primary characteristics of Zinfandel/Primitivo?
Medium to high acidity, medium to high tannin, black fruit (blackberry, plum), spice (black pepper), jammy fruit, high alcohol in some styles.
Name the regions where Zinfandel/Primitivo is predominantly grown.
California (USA - Zinfandel), Puglia (Italy - Primitivo).
What is the typical flavor profile of Malbec?
Medium to high acidity, high tannin, black fruit (blackberry, plum), spice (black pepper), often oaked with vanilla and chocolate notes.
Where is Malbec primarily grown?
Argentina (Mendoza), France (Cahors), USA (California), Chile.
Describe the characteristics of Nebbiolo.
High acidity, high tannin, red fruit (cherry, rose), tar, earth, often benefits from aging, gaining complexity with notes of tobacco and leather.
What are the main regions for Nebbiolo?
Italy (Piedmont - Barolo, Barbaresco), limited plantings in USA and Australia.
What are the distinguishing features of Sangiovese?
High acidity, medium to high tannin, red fruit (cherry), herbal (tomato leaf), earthy notes, often blended in Chianti.
Name the regions where Sangiovese is primarily grown.
Italy (Tuscany - Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino), USA (California), Argentina.
What is the typical profile of Grenache/Garnacha?
Low acidity, low tannin, red fruit (strawberry, raspberry), spice (white pepper), high alcohol, used in both red and rosé wines.
