Grapes Flashcards
Albariño
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 mineral aromas
Oak: None
Structure: Dry, moderate body, elevated acidity, moderate alcohol, phenolic bitterness
Chardonnay Chablis
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)
Sulfuric note (especially in youth): Flint, burnt match, slight cabbage
Oxidative notes (if neutral barrels are employed): Hazelnut, almond, cheese rind
Lees notes: Crème fraîche/sour cream
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
Chenin
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
Sulfuric 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, wet stones, white mushroom
Oak: None or neutral cask
Structure: Dry to of-dry (dry examples typically have slight RS), moderate body, high acidity, diminished to moderate alcohol
Chardonnay California (Oak-Driven)
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, popcorn
Lees notes: Yogurt, crème fraîche/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
Chardonnay Côte de Beaune
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)
Sulfuric note (especially in youth): Flint, burnt match, slight cabbage
Oxidative notes: Almond, hazelnut, cheese rind
Malolactic notes: Slight butter
Lees notes: Crème fraîche/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
Gewürztraminer Alsace
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
Grüner Veltliner Wachau Smaragd
Visual: Straw with hints of green, moderate to moderate-plus concentration
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate-plus intensity of aromas
Fruit: Citrus (grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange), ripe stone fruit (peach, apricot, yellow cherry, white plum), red/yellow apple, slight dried and/or tropical fruit character
Floral: White flowers
Spice: White pepper, wasabi, radish, lentils
Green/herbal: slight chive, tarragon, sage
Slight oxidation: Blanched almond, nut
Botrytis: Slight ginger, honey, saffron
Earth: Moderate to high minerality, stony
Other: Leesy, smoke
Oak: None or neutral large cask
Structure: Dry, moderate-plus body, elevated acidity, moderate to elevated alcohol
Grüner Veltliner Wachau Federspiel
Visual: Pale straw with hints of green, moderate-minus concentration, slight residual gas (in youth)
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate to moderate-plus intensity
Fruit: Citrus (grapefruit, lime, lemon), underripe to ripe stone fruit (white peach, nectarine, yellow cherry, green plum), green apple
Floral: White flowers
Spice: White pepper, wasabi, peppery greens (arugula, watercress), radish, lentils
Green/herbal: Sugar snap pea/crisp green vegetable, celery, tarragon, chive/chive blossom
Botrytis: None
Earth: High minerality, stony
Other: Leesy, smoke
Oak: None
Structure: Dry, moderate body, elevated acidity, moderate alcohol
Marsanne/Roussanne Hermitage & Crozes-Hermitage
Visual: Yellow color with hints of gold and green, moderate-plus to high concentration
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate-plus intensity
Fruit: Ripe stone fruit (apricot, apricot kernel, white peach, white plum), ripe tree fruit (quince, pear, baked apple), melon, orange marmalade, citron/lemon oil
Oxidation notes: Almond/marzipan, hazelnut
Malolactic notes: Butter, cream
Floral: White flowers, honeysuckle, acacia
Herbal/green: Green olive, thyme, pine
Spice: Cinnamon, musk
Other: Beeswax, honey, parsnip, root beer
Earth: Moderate to high minerality, stony
Oak: Neutral casks or low to moderate use of new French oak, vanilla pod, toast, smoke, baking spices
Structure: Dry, moderate-plus to full body, diminished acidity, elevated alcohol, phenolic bitterness
Melon Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine
Visual: Watery to pale straw with hints of green, low to moderate-minus concentration, slight residual gas (in youth)
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate-minus to moderate intensity
Fruit: Tart citrus (lemon, lime), tart tree fruit (green apple, green pear), underripe stone fruit (white peach, nectarine)
Floral: Faint white flowers
Herbal/root: Savory herbs, peppery greens, turnip/root vegetable
Sur lie: Leesy, yeast, sourdough, sour beer, slight cream
Earth: High minerality, saline/brine, sea salt, wet stones
Oak: None
Structure: Dry, moderate-minus to moderate body, high acidity, moderate alcohol
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Muscat Beaumes-de-Venise
Visual: Pale gold with moderate-minus concentration
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate-plus to high intensity
Fruit: Lush tropical fruit (lychee, mango, papaya), melon, ripe stone fruit (apricot, yellow peach), ripe citrus (mandarin orange, Meyer lemon)
Floral: Gardenia, jasmine, primrose, orange blossom
Herbal/Green: Delicate vegetal notes
Other: Potpourri, bath soap, honey
Earth: Moderate minerality
Oak: None
Structure: Medium body, moderate acidity, warm on palate from fortification with neutral spirit
RS: 100–110 g/L
ABV: 15%
Riesling Alsace
Visual: Yellow/gold with hints of green, moderate-plus concentration
Aromas/Flavors: High intensity
Fruit: Ripe and cooked tree fruits (yellow apple, baked pear, quince), citrus (lemon, citronella, grapefruit), stone fruit (yellow peach, stewed apricot), tropical fruit (pineapple), banana/banana peel
Sulfuric note (in youth)
Floral: White flowers, honeysuckle, jasmine
Botrytis: Ginger, honey, saffron
Spice: Cardamom, anise, fennel
Other: Smoke, candle wax, slight petrol
Earth: High minerality, white mushroom
Oak: None or large neutral cask
Bottle age aromas: Honey, petrol, paraffin, marzipan, browned toast
Structure: Dry to off-dry, moderate to moderate-plus body, high acidity, moderate to elevated alcohol
Riesling Mosel kabinett
Visual: Brilliant, watery white with hints of green, low concentration
Aromas/Flavors: High intensity
Fruit: Tart tree fruits (green apple, Bosc pear, quince), citrus/citrus peel (lemon, lime, grapefruit), stone fruit (white peach, white plum, nectarine), blackcurrant
Sulfuric note (in youth)
Floral: White flowers, jasmine, fruit tree blossoms
Other: Slight smoke, candle wax, panna cotta/meringue, slight petrol
Earth: High minerality, wet stones
Oak: None or large neutral cask
Bottle age aromas: Honey, petrol, paraffin
Structure: Off-dry to medium dry, light body, high acidity, low alcohol
Riesling Clare Valley
Visual: Pale straw with hints of gold and green, moderate concentration
Aromas/Flavors: High intensity
Fruit: Ripe citrus (lime, lime candy, lemon), stone fruit (white peach, white nectarine), tart tree fruit (green apple), slight tropical fruit (passion fruit, guava)
Sulfuric note (in youth)
Floral: White flowers, purple flowers, linden/lime blossoms, roses
Other: Slight spice, kerosene/petrol, Margarita salt, “fresh tennis ball”
Earth: Moderate to moderate-plus minerality, steely
Oak: None
Structure: Dry, moderate to moderate-plus body, high acidity, moderate alcohol
Riesling Rheingau Trocken
Visual: Star-bright, straw with hints of pale gold and green, moderate concentration
Aromas/Flavors: High intensity
Fruit: Ripe tree fruits (yellow apple, pear, quince), fresh citrus/citrus peel (grapefruit, orange, Meyer lemon), stone fruits (nectarine, white peach, apricot, cherry), melon
Sulfuric note (in youth)
Floral: White flowers, wildflowers, honeysuckle, jasmine, fruit tree blossoms
Botrytis: Potential ginger, honey, saffron
Slight herbal/spice: Lemongrass
Other: Slight smoke, candle wax, panna cotta/meringue, slight petrol
Earth: High minerality, wet rocks
Oak: None or large neutral cask
Bottle age aromas: Honey, petrol, paraffin, herbs (marjoram, spearmint)
Structure: Dry, moderate-plus body, high acidity, moderate to elevated alcohol
Sauvignon Sancerre
Visual: Pale straw with hints of green, moderate concentration
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate to moderate-plus intensity of aromas
Fruit: Tart citrus (grapefruit, lemon, lime), tart tree fruit (green apple, green pear), gooseberry, underripe stone fruit (white peach), slight tropical fruit (kiwi, passion fruit)
Floral: Faint white flowers, citrus blossoms
Herbal/green/pyrazine: Cut grass, green bell pepper, blackcurrant bud, box tree, basil, tarragon
Earth: High minerality, wet stones, chalk, crushed rocks
Oak: None or neutral oak casks
Structure: Dry, moderate body, high acidity, moderate to moderate-plus alcohol
Napa/Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc
Visual: Straw with hints of green and gold, moderate concentration
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate-plus intensity, less-pronounced pyrazines, thiols and reduction
Fruit: Ripe citrus fruit (ruby red grapefruit, lemon, mandarin orange, lime), tropical fruit (passion fruit, guava, kiwi), ripe tree and stone fruit (red apple, white peach, nectarine), melon
Floral: White flowers, citrus blossoms
Herbal/green/pyrazine: Cut grass, celery, tarragon, lemongrass
Earth: Low to moderate minerality
Oak: None or low to moderate use of new French oak (Napa examples with new barrique fermentation and aging may take on aromas and flavors similar to Graves Bordeaux Blanc)
Structure: Dry, moderate-plus body, moderate-plus to high acidity, moderate-plus to high alcohol
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Visual: Pale straw with hints of green, moderate concentration
Aromas/Flavors: High intensity of aromas
Fruit: Citrus (grapefruit, lemon, lime), melon, gooseberry, tropical fruit (passion fruit, guava, pineapple)
Floral: Faint white flowers, citrus blossoms
Herbal/green/pyrazine: Cut grass, asparagus, canned pea, green bell pepper, jalapeño, blackcurrant bud, rhubarb
Earth: Moderate minerality, wet rocks, chalk
Oak: None
Structure: Dry, moderate body, high acidity, moderate to moderate-plus alcohol
Graves Bordeaux Blanc
Typically blended with Sémillon
Visual: Yellow/pale gold color with hints of green, moderate-plus concentration
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate intensity of aromas
Fruit: Citrus (grapefruit, lemon), tropical fruit (pineapple, passion fruit), tree fruit (green fig, green/yellow apple), melon, stone fruit (nectarine, peach, apricot)
Floral: Honeysuckle, faint white flowers
Herbal/green/pyrazine: Cut grass, celery seed/celery
Earth: Wet rocks
Other: Beeswax, lanolin, cream soda, sunflower seed
Oak: Moderate to high (50%) use of new French oak, vanilla, toast
Structure: Dry, moderate to moderate-plus body, moderate-plus to high acidity, moderate to moderate-plus alcohol
Hunter Valley Sémillon
Visual: Straw/green, medium-minus concentration
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate-plus intensity
Fruit: Citrus (lemon, lemon marmalade), tart tree fruit (green apple, green fig)
Floral: Honeysuckle, lemon blossoms
Herbal: Slight grassy, savory herb, hay
Bottle-age aromas: Honey, browned toast, crème brûlée, umami
Other: Waxy, candlewax/panna cotta
Earth: Strong stony minerality
Oak: None
Structure: Dry, moderate-minus body, high acidity, diminished alcohol
Semilion Sauternes
Visual: Gold, high concentration
Aromas/Flavors: High intensity
Fruit: Stewed/cooked tree fruit (apple, quince), cooked peach, dried apricot, fig/fruitcake, sweet citrus (orange, tangerine, lemon marmalade), ripe melon, tropical fruit (pineapple)
Floral: Honeysuckle, orange blossom
Spice: Cinnamon, clove, mace, nutmeg, vanilla pod
Herbal: Sweet hay, dried grass, savory herbs
Botrytis: Honey, gingerbread/ginger, saffron, candied pineapple/dried apricot
Oxidation: Blanched nuts, hazelnut, almond
Earth: Moderate to high minerality, mushroom/truffle notes
Oak: Moderate to high use of new French oak, toast, smoke, caramel/crème brûlée, vanilla, coconut, baking spices
Structure: Sweet (approx. 85–150 g/l residual sugar), full body, elevated acidity, moderate to elevated alcohol
Salta Torrontés
Visual: Yellow with hints of green, moderate-plus concentration
Aromas/Flavors: High intensity
Fruit: Synthetic grape, tropical fruit (pineapple, guava, papaya), ripe citrus (orange, Meyer lemon), ripe stone fruit (peach), melon
Floral: Highly floral/perfumed, orange blossoms, roses, jasmine, geranium
Other: Hand lotion/soapy, potpourri, slight musk spice
Earth: Low to moderate minerality
Oak: None
Structure: Dry, moderate-plus body, moderate to elevated acidity, elevated alcohol, possible phenolic bitterness
Viognier Condrieu
Visual: Yellow/pale gold color, moderate-plus concentration
Aromas/Flavors: High intensity
Fruit: Ripe/lush stone fruit (apricot, peach, peach pit), ripe citrus (mandarin orange, ruby red grapefruit), tropical fruit (mango, persimmon), fruit cocktail
Floral: Honeysuckle, jasmine, orange blossoms, rose
Spice: Cinnamon, musk, potpourri, candied citrus peel, anise, gingerbread
Malolactic fermentation (not always present): Crème frâiche, yogurt, butter
Earth: Moderate to moderate-plus minerality
Oak: None, neutral oak, or low to moderate (approx. 30%) use of new French oak
Structure: Dry (may have slight residual sugar), moderate-plus to full body, diminished to moderate acidity, elevated alcohol, phenolic bitterness
California Viognier
Visual: Yellow/pale gold color, moderate-plus to high concentration
Aromas/Flavors: High intensity
Fruit: Ripe stone fruit (apricot, peach), ripe citrus (mandarin orange, ruby red grapefruit, tangerine), ripe tropical fruit (pineapple, mango), fruit cocktail
Floral: Honeysuckle, rose
Spice: Potpourri, sweet spices, vanilla, cardamom, gingerbread
Malolactic fermentation (not always present): Crème frâiche, yogurt, butter
Earth: Low to moderate minerality
Other: Oily, sweetened cereal grains (Fruit Loops)
Oak: None, neutral oak, or low to moderate use of new French oak
Structure: Dry to off-dry, full body, diminished acidity, elevated to high alcohol, phenolic bitterness
Cabernet Franc Chinon
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), underripe fruit flavors
Possible carbonic maceration and/or stem inclusion
Floral: Violets, lilacs, white and red flowers
Herbal/green/pyrazine: Black currant bud/leaf, green bell/serrano pepper, celery seed, grass, sage, tobacco
Other: Leather, cedar, cigar box
Earth: High minerality, graphite/pencil lead, 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
Napa Cabernet
Visual: Dark purple color, high concentration
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate-plus intensity
Fruit: Ripe/lush black fruit (black currant/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
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
Classified Growth Médoc/Graves Cab. Sauvignon
Visual: Dark ruby/purple color, moderate-plus concentration
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate-plus intensity
Fruit: Black fruit (black currant/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-plus body, elevated tannin, moderate to elevated acidity, moderate to elevated alcohol
Coonawarra Cabernet
Visual: Dark ruby to purple color, moderate-plus concentration
Aromas/Flavors:
Fruit: Ripe/lush black fruit (cassis/black currant, 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, earth/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 to high alcohol
Chilean Cabernet
Visual: Dark ruby/purple color, moderate-plus concentration
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate-plus intensity
Fruit: Ripe/lush black fruits (black currant/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
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
Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Cruz Mountains
Visual: Dark ruby/purple color, moderate-plus concentration
Aromas/Flavors: Moderate-plus intensity
Fruit: Ripe/lush black fruits (black currant/cassis, blackberry, black cherry), ripe/lush red fruits (red plum, raspberry)
Floral: Purple flowers, violets
Herbal/green: black olive, mint, tobacco
Spice (sweet): Anise, cocoa, cinnamon, clove, allspice
Other: pencil shavings, leather, cigar box
Earth: Moderate-plus minerality, damp earth, mushroom/compost, iron
Oak: Varies by producer - seamless tannin with the mountain structure - Ridge mostly American vs. Mount Eden Mostly French.
baking spices, clove, smoke, coffee, vanilla
Structure: Dry (with ripe attack), moderate-plus body, moderate tannin, elevated acidity, moderate alcohol
Chilean Carmenère
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: 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
Gamay Cru beaujolais
Visual: Bright ruby with purple tones, low to moderate-plus
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, stony, crushed rock
Oak: None or neutral casks
Structure: Dry, moderate-minus to moderate body, diminished to moderate tannin, elevated acidity, moderate alcohol
Grenache Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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
Oak: Neutral to moderate use of new French or American oak
Structure: Dry (with a ripe 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: 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
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 (black currant), 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
Merlot 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
Merlot Bandol
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
Nebbiolo 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
Côte 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, fluoride, wet stone, 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
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, kola 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
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, kola nut
Earth: Moderate minerality
Oak: Moderate-plus to high use of new French oak (one-third 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
South Africa 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 & Brunello di Montalcino
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
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
Structure: Dry (often with 2–4 g/l of RS), full body, moderate to elevated tannin, moderate to elevated acidity, elevated to high alcohol
Northern Rhône Syrah: Descriptors & Structure
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, crushed rock, iron
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
Tempranillo Rioja
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
Dry Creek Valley 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
