Grape Varities Flashcards
Aglianico
Visual: Dark Ruby, Moderate Plus Concentration
Aromas/Flavors:
Fruit: Ripe/Roasted Black Fruit (Black Cherry, Blackberry, Black Plum), Fig, Dried Cherry
Possible Volatile Acidity
Floral: Purple Flowers, Violets
Oak: Large Neutral Casks (modern producers may incorporate new French Oak)
Structure: Dry, Full Body, High Tannin, Elevated Acidity, Elevated Alcohol
Barbera
Visual: Purple with Blue Tones, Moderate Minus to Moderate Plus Concentration
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate Plus Intensity
Fruit: Tangy/Sour Cherry, Raspberry, Blackberry, Dried Cherry
Floral: Purple Flowers, Lavender
Other: Dried Herbs, Tea Leaf, Slight Bergamot Oil, Cured Meat/Prosciutto
Oak: Large Neutral Casks (modern examples may incorporate new French barrique)
Structure: Dry, Moderate to Moderate Plus Body, Diminished Tannin, High Acidity, Elevated to High Alcohol
Cabernet Franc
Visual: Dark Ruby Color, Moderate to Moderate Plus Concentration, Pink/Purple Rim Variation (in youth)
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate Plus Intensity
Fruit: Bright Red Fruit (Raspberry, Cranberry, Red Cherry, Cherry Pit), Tart Black Fruit (Black Cherry, Blackcurrant, Blackberry), Under-ripe Fruit Flavors
Possible Carbonic Maceration and/or Stem Inclusion
Floral: Violets, Lilacs, White and Red Flowers
Herbal/Green/Pyrazine: Blackcurrant Bud/Leaf, Green Bell/Serrano Pepper, Celery Seed, Grass, Sage, Tobacco
Other: Leather, Cedar, Cigar Box
Earth: High Minerality, Graphite/Pencil Lead, Gravel Dust
Oak: Neutral French Oak Barrels (some top cuvées will include new oak)
Structure: Bone Dry to Dry, Moderate Plus Body, Elevated Tannin, Elevated Acidity, Moderate Alcohol
Classified Growth Medoc/Graves
Visual: Dark Ruby/Purple Color, Moderate Plus Concentration
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate Plus Intensity
Fruit: Black Fruit (Blackcurrant/Cassis, Blackberry, Black Cherry), Slight Red Fruit and Plum
Floral: Purple Flowers, Violets
Herbal/Green: Sage, Green Bell Pepper, Mint, Tobacco, Dried Savory Herbs
Spice (Savory): Green Peppercorn, Anise, Clove, Exotic Spices
Other: Leather, Pencil Shavings, Cedar, Iodine, Medicinal, Game, Cigar Box
Earth: Moderate Plus to High Minerality, Graphite, Gravel, Iron, Damp Soil, Mushroom
Oak: Moderate Plus to High Use of New French Oak (Baking Spices, Clove, Smoke, Coffee, Vanilla, Roasted Nut, Cedar)
Structure: Dry, Moderate to Moderate Plus Body, Elevated Tannin, Moderate to Elevated Acidity, Moderate to Elevated Alcohol
Napa Cabernet
Visual: Dark Purple Color, High Concentration
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate Plus Intensity
Fruit: Ripe/Lush Black Fruit (Blackcurrant/Cassis, Blackberry, Black Cherry), Lush Red Fruit (Sweet Cherry, Raspberry), Boysenberry/Blueberry
Possible Volatile Acidity
Floral: Purple Flowers, Violets
Herbal/Green (in cooler vintages): Sage, Mint, Green Bell Pepper, Tobacco, Eucalyptus
Spice (Sweet): Anise, Cocoa, Cinnamon, Clove, Allspice, Nutmeg
Other: Cedar, Pencil Shavings, Sweet Leather, Cigar Box
Earth: Low to Moderate Plus Minerality, Volcanic/Ashen, Gravel, Loamy
Oak: Moderate Plus to High Use of New French Oak (Allspice, Nutmeg, Clove, Smoke, Toast, Coffee, Vanilla, Roasted Nut, Cocoa, Cedar)
Structure: Dry (with Ripe Attack), Full Body, Elevated to High Tannin, Moderate Acidity, Elevated to High Alcohol
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Visual: Dark Ruby to Purple Color, Moderate Plus Concentration
Aromas/Flavors:
Fruit: Ripe/Lush Black Fruit (Cassis/Blackcurrant, Blackberry, Black Cherry), Ripe/Lush Red Fruit (Red Cherry, Red Plum), Prune
Floral: Purple Flowers, Violets
Herbal/Green: Intense Green Character, Eucalyptus, Mint, Green Bell Pepper, Sage
Spice (Sweet): Licorice/Anise, Cocoa, Cinnamon, Clove, Allspice, Nutmeg
Other: Cedar, Pencil Shavings, Leather, Cigar Box
Earth: Moderate to Moderate Plus Minerality, Terra Rossa/Red Soils, Loamy/Clay
Oak: Moderate to Moderate Plus Use of New French or American Oak (Baking Spices, Clove, Smoke, Coffee, Vanilla, Roasted Nut, Cedar)
Structure: Dry (with Ripe Attack), Moderate Plus Body, Elevated Tannin, Moderate to Elevated Acidity, Elevated Alcohol
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Visual: Dark Ruby/Purple Color, Moderate Plus Concentration
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate Plus Intensity
Fruit: Ripe/Lush Black Fruits (Blackcurrant/Cassis, Blackberry, Black Cherry), Ripe/Lush Red Fruits (Red Plum, Raspberry)
Floral: Purple Flowers, Violets
Herbal/Green: Green Bell Pepper/Capsicum, Green/Black Olive, Mint, Tobacco
Spice (Sweet): Anise, Cocoa, Cinnamon, Clove, Allspice, Nutmeg
Other: Cedar, Pencil Shavings, Leather, Cigar Box
Earth: Moderate to Moderate Plus Minerality, Damp Earth, Mushroom/Compost, Iron, Graphite
Oak: Moderate Use of New French Oak (Baking Spices, Clove, Smoke, Coffee, Vanilla, Roasted Nut, Cedar)
Structure: Dry (with Ripe Attack), Moderate Plus Body, Elevated Tannin, Moderate to Elevated Acidity, Moderate to Elevated Alcohol
Carmenere
Visual: Dark Ruby with Purple Tones, Moderate Plus Concentration
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate Plus Intensity
Fruit: Ripe/Lush Black Fruit (Cassis, Blackberry, Black Plum, Black Cherry), Stewed Tomato
Floral: Violets, Purple Flowers
Green/Herbal/Pyrazine: Strong Green Notes Contrasted with Ripe Fruit, Green Bell Pepper, Celery, Camphor
Spice: Black Pepper
Other: Bitter Chocolate
Oak: Low to Moderate Use of New French/American Oak
Structure: Dry (with Ripe Attack), Moderate Plus Body, Moderate Tannin, Moderate Acidity, Elevated Alcohol, Bitterness
Corvina
Visual: Ruby/Dark Ruby Color, Garnet Rim Variation, Moderate Plus Concentration, High Viscosity
Aromas/Flavors: High Intensity
Fruit: Ripe/Syrupy Red Fruit (Red Cherry, Red Plum, Raspberry), Black Cherry, Blackberry, Prune, Raisin, Dried Cherry
Significant Volatile Acidity and Oxidation Likely
Possible Botrytis Aromas
Floral: Highly Floral, Roses, Dried Flowers
Spice: Licorice, Cinnamon
Other: Honey, Chocolate, Resin, Tar, Leather, Bitter Almond, Smoke, Tobacco Ash, Game
Earth: Moderate to High Minerality
Oak: Large Neutral Casks (Modern producers may incorporate new barrels)
Structure: Dry to Off-Dry (max. 12 g/l RS), Full Body, Elevated Tannin, Elevated Acidity, High Alcohol
Gamay
Visual: Bright Ruby with Purple Tones, Low to Moderate Plus (Low to Medium Minus in basic village wines, with higher concentration in some cru wines), Possible Residual Gas from Carbonic Maceration
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate Plus to High Intensity
Fruit: Tart Red Fruit (Strawberry, Red Cherry, Raspberry, Cranberry, Red Currant), Watermelon
Carbonic Maceration Notes: Pear Drop, Banana, Bubblegum, Cotton Candy, Lifted Red Fruit/Floral Aromatics
Floral: Violets, Lilacs, Peonies
Other: Slight Black Pepper, Dry Savory Herbs
Earth: Moderate to High Minerality, Wet Granite, Stony, Crushed Rock
Oak: None or Neutral Casks
Structure: Dry, Moderate Minus to Moderate Body, Diminished to Moderate Tannin, Elevated Acidity, Moderate Alcohol
Chateauneuf-de-Pape (Grenache Dominant)
Visual: Ruby Color, Slight Orange Rim (even in youth), Moderate Concentration
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate Plus Intensity
Fruit: Cooked to Dried Red Fruits (Strawberry, Cherry, Raspberry), Roasted Red Plum, Blackberry, Raisin/Fig
Possible Volatile Acidity, Oxidation
Floral: Red Flowers, Dried Lavender
Herbal: Herbes de Provence, Garrigue/Wild Brush, Rosemary, Brewed Black Tea, Savory Herbs
Spice: Curing Spices, Black Pepper, Juniper, Clove, Licorice, Lavender
Other: Powdered Sugar, Dried Orange/Grapefruit Peel, Old Leather/Brettanomyces
Earth: Moderate Plus to High Minerality, Stony/Gravelly, Baked Earth
Oak: Large Neutral Casks (foudres) or Concrete Vats, although some modern special cuvée styles may incorporate smaller barrels and new oak
Structure: Dry, Moderate Plus to Full Body, Moderate to Elevated Tannin, Diminished to Moderate Acidity, Elevated to High Alcohol
Australian Grenache
Visual: Ruby Color, Slight Orange Rim (even in youth), Moderate Plus Concentration
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate Plus Intensity
Fruit: Cooked/Stewed Strawberry, Maraschino Cherry, Prune, Fig, Raisin, Plum Pie
Possible Volatile Acidity, Oxidation
Floral: Red Flowers
Herbal: Mint, Menthol, Eucalyptus, Black Tea Leaf, Dried Savory Herbs
Spice: Curing Spices, Black Pepper, Licorice
Other: Powdered Sugar, Possible Old Leather/Brettanomyces
Earth: Moderate Minerality, Crushed Vitamin
Oak: Neutral to Moderate Use of New French or American Oak
Structure: Dry (with a Ripe, Sappy Attack), Moderate Plus to Full Body, Moderate Tannin, Moderate Acidity, Elevated to High Alcohol
Mendoza Malbec
Visual: Dark Ruby/Purple Color with Blue Tones, Moderate Plus to High Concentration, Electric Pink Rim
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate Plus to High Intensity
Fruit: Ripe/Lush Black Fruit (Black Raspberry, Black Cherry, Blackberry), Ripe/Lush Blue Fruit (Concord Grape Jam, Blueberry, Plum), Lush Red Fruit (Raspberry Liqueur), Fig, Raisin, Prune
Floral: Purple and Red Flowers, Violets, Damson Flowers (floral aromatics are especially expressive in higher altitude wines)
Herbal/Green: Malbec may have slight green notes
Earth: Moderate Minus to Moderate Minerality, Clay/Mud
Oak: Low to High Use of New French and/or American Oak, Vanilla, Baking Spices, Chocolate, Cinnamon
Structure: Dry (with Ripe Attack), Full Body, Elevated Tannin, Diminished to Moderate Acidity, Elevated to High Alcohol
Right Bank Bordeaux
Visual: Ruby Color with Garnet Tones, Moderate to Moderate Plus Concentration
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate Plus Intensity
Fruit: Blue Fruit (Plum, Blueberry), Red Fruit (Strawberry, Raspberry, Red Cherry), Black Fruit (Blackberry, Black Cherry), Fig/Fruitcake
Floral: Purple Flowers, Violets
Herbal: Mint, Bay Leaf, Fern, Tobacco
Spice: Licorice/Anise, Christmas Spice
Earth: Moderate Plus to High Minerality, Clay, Mushroom/Truffle
Oak: Moderate Plus to High Use of New French Oak, Chocolate, Coffee, Cinnamon, Vanilla
Structure: Dry, Moderate to Moderate Plus Body, Moderate to Elevated Tannin, Moderate Acidity, Elevated Alcohol
Napa Merlot
Visual: Ruby Color with Blue Tones, Moderate Plus Concentration
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate Plus Intensity
Fruit: Stewed Fruit Character, Ripe/Lush Blue Fruit (Plum, Blueberry), Ripe Black Fruit (Blackcurrant), Lush Red Fruit (Red Cherry, Raspberry), Fig, Prune
Floral: Purple Flowers, Violets
Herbal: Fern, Bay Leaf, Sage
Spice: Christmas Spice, Licorice/Anise
Earth: Low to Moderate Minerality
Oak: Moderate to High Use of New French Oak or Mixed Origin Oak, Chocolate, Coffee, Mocha, Sweet Baking Spices, Vanilla
Structure: Dry (with Ripe Attack), Moderate Plus to Full Body, Moderate Tannin, Diminished to Moderate Acidity, Elevated to High Alcohol
Mourvedre
Visual: Dark Ruby Color, Moderate Plus Concentration
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate Plus Intensity
Fruit: Ripe Black Fruit (Blackberry, Black Raspberry, Black Cherry), Blue Fruit (Blueberry, Plum, Prune), Red Fruit (Red Plum, Red Cherry)
Flowers: Purple Flowers
Herbal: Garrigue/Wild Herbs, Herbes de Provence, Black Tea, Tobacco
Spice: Bitter Chocolate, Black Pepper, Curing Spices
Other: Hung/Cured Meats, Animal/Feral, Game, Saddle Leather
Earth: Moderate Plus to High Minerality, Forest Floor, Dusty
Oak: Large Neutral Cask, Coffee, Cinnamon
Structure: Dry, Full Body, Elevated to High Tannin, Elevated Acidity, Elevated Alcohol
Barolo
Visual: Ruby/Garnet Color, Significant Garnet/Orange Rim Variation, Moderate Concentration
Aromas/Flavors: High Intensity
Fruit: Tart Red Fruit (Sour Cherry, Red Plum), Blackberry, Mulberry, Dried Plum/Prune and Dried Cherry
Significant Volatile Acidity, Oxidation
Floral: Heady Floral Character, Roses, Violets
Herbal: Tea Leaf, Tobacco, Bitter Root, Tree Bark
Spice: Licorice, Anise, Resin, Slight Clove/Cinnamon Spice
Other: Tar, Leather
Earth: High Minerality, Truffle, Mushroom, Dust, Organic Earth
Oak: Neutral Large Casks (Slavonian Oak and Chestnut Botti are considered traditional casks for Barolo)
Structure: Dry, Medium to Full Body, High Tannin, Elevated to High Acidity, Elevated to High Alcohol
Cote d’Or Pinot Noir
Visual: Light Ruby/Ruby Color, Moderate Minus to Moderate Concentration
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate Plus Intensity
Fruit: Tart to Just Ripe Red Fruit (Red Cherry, Raspberry, Cranberry, Wild Strawberry), Possible Black Cherry, Beet/Beetroot, Tomato
Possible Stem Inclusion
Floral: Purple and Red Flowers, Violets, Lilacs, Potpourri
Herbal/Vegetable: Tea Leaf, Dried Herbs, Fennel, Rhubarb, Sweet Squash
Spice: Red Licorice, Anise, Clove
Other: Game, Leather
Earth: Moderate to High Minerality, Flouride, Limestone, Mushroom/Forest Floor, Damp Leaves
Oak: Neutral to High Use of New French Oak, Toast, Vanilla Bean, Smoke, Baking Spices, Cinnamon, Roasted Nut, Caramel (typically, Côte de Nuits producers use higher percentages of new oak than their counterparts in the Côte de Beaune)
Structure: Dry, Moderate to Moderate Plus Body, Diminished to Elevated Tannin, Elevated Acidity, Moderate to Elevated Alcohol
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Visual: High Clarity, Bright Ruby Color, Moderate Concentration
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate Plus Intensity
Fruit: Ripe/Lush Red Fruit (Strawberry Jam, Cherry, Raspberry), Ripe Black Cherry, Plum/Prune
Floral: Purple and Red Flowers, Potpourri
Herbal: Tea Leaf, Citrus Zest/Peel
Spice: Red Licorice, Clove, Cinnamon
Other: Cola, Cola Nut
Earth: Moderate Minerality
Oak: Moderate Plus to High Use of New French Oak (1/3 or more new barrels), Toast, Vanilla Bean, Smoke, Baking Spices, Clove, Cinnamon, Roasted Nut, Caramel
Structure: Dry (with Ripe Attack), Moderate Plus Body, Moderate Tannin, Moderate to Elevated Acidity, Elevated Alcohol
Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
Visual: Ruby Color, Moderate Concentration
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate Plus Intensity
Fruit: Ripe/Lush Red Fruit (Strawberry, Cherry, Raspberry), Ripe Black Cherry, Blueberry
Floral: Purple and Red Flowers, Potpourri
Herbal: Tea Leaf, Citrus Zest/Peel, Tomato Leaf
Spice: Red Licorice, Oak Spices
Other: Cola, Cola Nut
Earth: Moderate Plus Minerality, Wet Leaves, Compost, Mushroom, Forest Floor
Oak: Moderate to High Use of New French Oak, Vanilla, Baking Spices, Coffee, Chocolate, Caramel
Structure: Dry (with Ripe Attack), Moderate Plus Body, Diminished to Moderate Tannin, Moderate to Elevated Acidity, Moderate to Elevated Alcohol
Pinotage
Visual: Dark Ruby/Purple, Moderate Plus Concentration, Stained Tears
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate Plus Intensity
Fruit: Roasted/Charred Black and Red Fruit, Blackberry, Black Cherry, Slight Fig
Significant Brettanomyces: Saddle Leather, Clove, Smoke, Band-Aid
Other: Sanguine/Blood, Fresh Paint, Rubber/Burnt Rubber, Barbecue
Oak: Moderate to High Use of New Oak
Structure: Dry, Moderate Plus Body, Moderate Tannin, Moderate to Elevated Acidity, Moderate Alcohol
Sangiovese (Chianti and Brunello)
Visual:
Chianti: Light Ruby with Slight Garnet Tones, Moderate Minus to Moderate Concentration (Concentration and Color may be darker if the wine is a blend)
Brunello: Dark Ruby, Garnet Rim Variation, Moderate Plus Concentration
Aromas/Flavors:
Fruit: Tart Red Fruit (Sour Cherry, Raspberry, Cranberry, Red Currant), Red Apple, Black Cherry, Mulberry, Tomato
Floral: Dried Flowers, Potpourri
Herbal/Green: Fennel, Roasted Savory Herbs, Thyme, Rosemary, Marjoram, Camphor, Bitter Root
Spice: Clove, Smoke (Brettanomyces indicators), Coffee/Oak Spices
Other: Sanguine/Blood, Balsamic, Animal, Leather, Tar
Earth: Moderate to High Minerality, Clay, Crushed Rock, Baked Earth
Oak:
Chianti: None or Large Neutral Cask with Possible Mixed Use of French Oak Barriques (Chianti DOCG may not see any oak, whereas Chianti Classico and Riserva DOCG wines age in oak barrels)
Brunello: Large Neutral Cask with Possible Mixed Use of French Oak Barriques
Note: Classic examples of both do not see any significant new wood.
Structure:
Chianti: Bone Dry to Dry, Moderate to Moderate Plus Body, Elevated to High Tannin, Elevated to High Acidity, Moderate to Elevated Alcohol
Brunello: Bone Dry to Dry, Full Body, Elevated to High Tannin, Elevated to High Acidity, Elevated Alcohol
Northern Rhone Syrah
Visual: Ruby/Purple Color, Moderate Plus to High Concentration
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate Plus Intensity
Fruit: Tart/Ripe Black Fruit (Blackberry, Black Cherry, Black Plum), Blue Fruit (Blueberry, Boysenberry), Red Fruit (Raspberry)
Possible Carbonic Maceration and/or Stem Inclusion
Floral: Purple and Red Flowers, Lavender, Violets
Herbal/Green: Black/Green Olive, Green Peppercorn, Herbes de Provence, Rosemary
Spice: White/Black Pepper, Curing Spices, Juniper
Other: Tar, Hung/Cured Meat, Smoke, Bacon Fat, Band-Aid (Brettanomyces)
Earth: Moderate Plus to High Minerality, Granite, Crushed Rock
Oak: Neutral Barrel/Cask or Low to Moderate Use of New French Oak
Structure: Bone Dry to Dry, Moderate Plus Body, Moderate to Elevated Tannin, Elevated to High Acidity, Moderate to Elevated Alcohol
South Australia Shiraz
Visual: Opaque, Dark Purple Color, High Concentration, Deeply Stained Tears
Aromas/Flavors: High Intensity
Fruit: Ripe/Lush Black Fruit (Blackberry, Cassis), Lush Blue Fruit (Blueberry, Plum), Dried Fruit (Fig, Raisin, Date), Raspberry Liqueur, Mulberry
Floral: Purple and Red Flowers, Lavender (less prominent than in Northern Rhône examples)
Herbal/Green: Eucalyptus, MInt/Menthol, Herbes de Provence, Rosemary
Spice: Black Pepper, Dried Savory Spices, Licorice, Christmas Spices/Fruitcake
Other: Bitter Chocolate, Smoke, Grilled Meat
Earth: Low to Moderate Minerality
Oak: Low to High Use of New American or French Oak, Vanilla, Coconut, Dill, Chocolate, Mocha, Baking Spices, Cumin, Curry/Fenugreek, Maple
Tempranillo
Visual: Ruby, Moderate Minus to Moderate Concentration
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate Plus Intensity
Fruit: Tart/Sweet Red Fruit (Red Cherry, Strawberry, Red Currant), Sour Asian Plum, Dried Plum
Significant Oxidation and Brettanomyces for Gran Reserva Styles
Floral: Red and Dried Flowers
Herbal: Tobacco, Dill
Other: Sweet and Sour Sauce, Iodine, Leather, Spice
Earth: Moderate to High Minerality, Baked Earth, Clay, Compost
Oak: Low to Moderate Use of New American or Mixed American/French Barrels (Long Aging in Oak for Reserva and Gran Reserva Styles), Vanilla, Coconut, Dill, Cumin, Curry, Fenugreek, Sandalwood
Structure: Dry, Moderate Plus Body, Elevated Tannin, Moderate to Elevated Acidity, Moderate to Elevated Alcohol
Zinfandel
Visual: Ruby/Dark Ruby, Moderate to Moderate Plus Concentration (color and concentration are highly affected by blending other varieties)
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate Plus to High Intensity of Aromas
Fruit: Jammy/Brambly Berry Fruit (Raspberry, Black Cherry, Cherry Compote, Blackberry, Cassis, Blueberry), Cranberry Jam, Raisin, Fig, Peach Yogurt, Apricot
Non-Fruit: Black Pepper, Briar, Slight Potting Soil/Turned Earth
Oak: Neutral to Moderate Use of New American Oak, French Oak, or Mixed Barrels: Vanilla, Sawdust, Coconut, Chocolate, Mocha, Coffee, Caramel, Dillweed, Cinnamon
Structure: Dry (often with perceptible RS), Full Body, Moderate Tannin, Moderate to Elevated Acidity, Elevated to High Alcohol
Cabernet Franc Synonyms
France: Bouchet, Gros Bouchet, and Grosse-Vidure (St. Émilion and Pomerol); Carmenet (Médoc), Breton (Loire Valley), Véron, Bouchy, Noir-Dur, Méssange Rouge, Trouchet Noir
Italy: Bordo (Veneto), Cabernet Frank
Spain: Archéria (Basque Country)
Cabernet Sauvignon Synonyms
Petit-Cabernet, Vidure, Petite Vidure (Graves); Petit Bouchet (Right Bank); Bouchet (Gironde); Sauvignon Rouge (Central France)
Grenache Synonyms
Spain: Garnacha Tinta, Garnatxa, Lladoner, Uva di Spagna, Tintilo de Rota, Tinto Menudo, Roussillon Tinto, Tinto Aragonés
Note: Garnacha Tintorera is a synonym for Alicante Bouschet, not Grenache
France: Bois Jaune, Carignane Rousse, Sans Pareil, Rivesaltes, Rouvaillard, Aragonais, Ranconnat,
Italy: Cannonau (Sardinia), Tocai Rosso, Bordò, and Tai Rosso (Veneto), Vernaccia Nera (Marches)
Note: The Sardinian grapes Garnaccia and Granazza, previously thought to be synonymous with Grenache, are genetically distinct
Malbec Synonyms
France: Côt (Cahors and Loire Valley), Auxerrois (Cahors), Pressac (Bordeaux Right Bank), Vesparo, Pied Rouge, Jacobain, Grifforin, Malbeck (the latter is also used in Argentina)
Mourvedre Synonyms
Spain: Monastrell
France: Balzac, Esparte
US/Australia: Mataro
Nebbiolo Synonyms
Italy: Spanna (Piemonte), Chiavennasca (Valtellina), Picotendro / Picoutener (Valle d’Aosta, Carema), Prunet
Pinot Noir Synonyms
France: Noirien (Burgundy), Franc Pineau, Morillon (Morey-St-Denis), Plant Doré and Vert Doré (Champagne), Salvagnin and Savagnin Noir (Jura), Auvernat (Orléans), Bourguignon (Auvergne)
Italy: Pinot Nero, Pignola
Germany: Spätburgunder, Blauburgunder, Blauer Klevner
Austria: Klevner
Switzerland: Savagnin Noir, Servagnin (Vaud)
Eastern Europe: : Nagyburgundi (Hungary), Burgundac Crni (Serbia and Croatia), Crn Burgundec (Macedonia) Rouci (Czech Republic), Pino Fran (Moldova), Pinot Cernii (Russia)
Sangiovese Synonyms
Italy: Morellino (Grosseto), Brunello (Montalcino), Prugnolo Gentile (Montepulciano), Sangioveto (Chianti), Sanvicetro (Chianti), Calabrese (Chianti), Montepulciano (Southern Italy), Puttanella (Calabria), Tuccanese (Puglia)
Corsica: Nielluccio (although some suggest this is an indigenous grape to Corsica, it is likely a biotype of Sangiovese)
Syrah/Shiraz Synonyms
Australia: Shiraz, Hermitage (Once common, “Hermitage” is no longer legally allowed as a synonym in Australia due to agreement with the EU.)
France: Schiras, Sirac, Sirah, Petite Syrah, Hignin Noir, Candive, Entournerein, Antourenein Noir, Sérine, Marsanne Noir
Argentina: Balsamina
Tempranillo
Spain: Cencibel (Valdepeñas), Tinto Fino (Ribera del Duero), Tinto del País (Ribera del Duero), Tinta de Toro (Toro), Ull de Llebre/Ojo de Liebre (Catalonia), Jacivera (Manchuela), Tinto Madrid, Grenache de Logrono (Rioja)
Portugal: Aragonez (Alentejo), Tinto Roriz (Douro Valley), Tinto de Santiago (Península de Setúbal)
Argentina: Tempranilla
Zinfandel
Croatia: Tribidrag, Crljenak Kaštelanski
Italy (Puglia): Primitivo
Montenegro, Macedonia, Serbia: Kratosija
Rias Baixas Albarino
Visual: Pale Straw with Hints of Green, Moderate Minus Concentration, Slight Residual Gas (in youth)
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate Plus Intensity
Fruit: Ripe Citrus (Orange, Meyer Lemon, Ruby Red Grapefruit), Stone Fruit (White Peach, Peach Pit, Apricot, Nectarine), Green Apple, Melon
Floral: White and Yellow Flowers, Citrus and Apple Blossoms
Other: Bubblegum, Agave, Slight Beer Yeast, Leesy, Saline, Possible ML fermentation
Earth: Moderate Plus Minerality
Oak: None
Structure: Dry, Moderate Body, Elevated Acidity, Moderate Alcohol
Santorini Assyrtiko
Visual: Straw with Hints of Green, Moderate Concentration
Aromas/Flavors:
Fruit: Citrus (Lemon, Lime), Yellow Apple, Stone Fruit in warmer vintages
Floral: Citrus Blossoms, Gardenia, Dried Flowers
Oxidative: Slight Hazelnut
Other: Lees, Petrol (particularly after 3-4 years of bottle age)
Earth: Sulfur, Ash, Flint, Gunsmoke, Lava Rock
Oak: None (although most producers do have a barrique-aged bottling in their range)
Structure: Dry, Moderate Plus Body, Low Tannin (Assyrtiko is an extremely phenolic grape), High Acidity (3.0 pH is average), Elevated to High Alcohol
Chablis Chardonnay
Visual: Pale Straw/Straw with Hints of Green, Moderate Concentration
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate Intensity
Fruit: Tart to Just Ripe Tree Fruit (Green Apple, Yellow Apple, Green Pear), Citrus (Lemon)
Sulphuric Note (especially in youth): Flint, Burnt Match, Slight Cabbage
Oxidative Notes (if neutral barrels are employed): Hazelnut, Almond, Cheese Rind
Floral: Faint White Flowers, Apple Blossoms, Hawthorne, Acacia
Earth: High Minerality, Stony, Chalk, Saline/Seaspray, Oyster Shell, Button Mushroom
Oak: None or Neutral Barrel
Structure: Bone Dry to Dry, Moderate to Moderate Plus Body, Elevated to High Acidity, Moderate Alcohol
Cote de Beaune Chardonnay
Visual: Straw to Yellow/Pale Gold, Moderate to Moderate Plus Concentration
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate to Moderate Plus Intensity
Fruit: Tree Fruits (Green/Yellow Apple, Pear, Quince), Citrus (Lemon), Melon, Stone Fruit (White Peach, Yellow Cherry)
Sulphuric Note (especially in youth): Flint, Burnt Match, Slight Cabbage
Oxidative Notes: Almond, Hazelnut, Cheese Rind
Malolactic Notes: Slight Butter, Crème Fraiche/Sour Cream
Floral: White Flowers, Acacia, Hawthorne, Honeysuckle, Apple Blossoms
Other: Slight Spice, Slight Savory Herbs
Earth: Moderate to High Minerality, Limestone, Button Mushroom
Oak: Low to High Use of New French Oak, Toffee, Salted Caramel, Butterscotch, Sweet Baking Spices, Cinnamon, Toast, Smoke
Bottle Age Aromas: Truffle, Honey, Nut
Structure: Dry, Moderate to Full Body, Elevated Acidity, Moderate to Elevated Alcohol
Oak Driven California Chardonnay
Visual: Yellow/Pale Gold, Moderate Plus Concentration
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate to Moderate Plus Intensity
Fruit: Ripe Tree Fruits (Yellow Apple, Baked Pear), Ripe Citrus (Meyer Lemon), Ripe Apricot, Tropical Fruits (Ripe Pineapple, Mango), Melon
Floral: White Flowers, Apple Blossoms, Honeysuckle
Oxidative Notes: Hazelnut, Almond
Malolactic Notes: Butter, Yogurt, Crème Fraiche/Sour Cream
Other: Sweet/Canned Corn
Earth: Low Minerality, Slight Limestone
Oak: Moderate to High Use of New French Oak, Toffee, Salted Caramel, Butterscotch, Sweet Baking Spices, Vanilla, Pie Crust, Toast
Structure: Dry (may have slight residual sugar), Moderate Plus to Full Body, Moderate Acidity, Elevated Alcohol
Vouvray Sec/Demi Sec Chenin Blanc
Visual: Pale Straw/Straw with Hints of Green, Moderate Concentration
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate to Moderate Plus Intensity of Aromas
Fruit: Tree Fruit (Green/Golden/Oxidized Apple, Quince, Yellow Pear), Citrus (Tangerine, Orange, Lemon), Demi-Sec examples may also reveal Melon and Tropical Fruit Notes
Sulphuric Note (in youth)
Oxidative Notes: Slight Bruised Apple, Bitter Nut, Almond, Cheese Rind/Soft Cheese
Floral: Orange Blossoms, Jasmine, Honeysuckle, Fragrant White Flowers
Herbal: Chamomile/Herbal Tea, Medicinal Notes, Dandelion Greens, Wasabi, Savory Herbs, Tree Bark
Botrytis (possible): Honey (particularly with Bottle Age), Ginger, Marmalade
Other: Wet Wool, Lanolin
Earth: Moderate Plus to High Minerality, Damp Straw, Limestone/Tuffeau, Wet Stones, White Mushroom
Oak: None or Neutral Cask
Structure: Dry to Off-Dry (dry examples typically have slight RS), Moderate Body, High Acidity, Diminished to Moderate Alcohol
Savennieres Chenin Blanc
Visual: Pale Yellow/Gold, Moderate Plus Concentration
Aromas/Flavors:
Fruit: Tree Fruit (Green/Golden/Oxidized Apple, Quince, Yellow Pear), Citrus (Tangerine, Bergamot, Lemon), Dried Apricot
Oxidative Notes: Bruised/Rotten Apple, Cider, Bitter Nut, Almond/Marzipan, Pistachio, Cheese Rind/Soft Cheese (overall the character of classic Savennières tends to be more oxidative than Vouvray)
Floral: Honeysuckle, Jasmine, White Flowers
Herbal: Chamomile/Herbal Tea, Medicinal Notes, Dandelion Greens, Wasabi, Savory Herbs, Tree Bark
Botrytis (possible): Honey (particularly with bottle age), Saffron, Ginger, Marmalade
Other: Wet Wool, Lanolin
Earth: Moderate Plus to High Minerality, Damp Straw, Schist, Wet Stones, White Mushroom
Oak: None or Neutral Cask
Structure: Dry, Moderate Plus to Full Body, High Levels of Extract, High Acidity, Moderate to Elevated Alcohol
Alsatian Gewurztraminer
Visual: Yellow/Gold, Moderate Plus to High Concentration
Aromas/Flavors: High (Heady) Intensity
Fruit: Tropical Fruit (Lychee, Pineapple, Tropical Fruit Punch), Ripe Stone Fruit (Peach Jam, Dried Apricot), Citrus (Orange Marmalade, Grapefruit Pith)
Floral: Roses, Floral Perfume
Spice: Cinnamon, Clove, Gingerbread, Musk, Potpourri, Exotic Spices
Other: Honey, Bergamot Oil, Face Lotion/Perfumed Hand Soap
Earth: Moderate to Moderate Plus Minerality
Oak: None or Neutral Cask
Structure: Dry to Off Dry, Moderate Plus to Full-Body, Diminished to Moderate Acidity, Moderate to Elevated Alcohol, Phenolic Bitterness