Grapevarieties Flashcards
When does Merlot bud and ripen, and what does it mean?
Merlot buds early, making it vulnerable to spring frost. Merlot is mid ripening with the advantage of being picked before autumn rain.
What is Merlot susceptible to?
Coulure, drought and most botrytis bunch rot.
What is the typical berry size of Merlot?
Large.
In Bordeaux, Merlot has the benefit of what in cooler years?
Merlot can still ripen fully, in comparison to the later-ripening Cabernet Sauvignon.
On what soil type is Merlot grown in Bordeaux?
Clay.
In the Bordeaux blend, what does Merlot contribute in intensity, tannins and alcohol level?
Medium to pronounced intensity, medium tannins, medium to high alcohol.
In a cool year, what aromas and flavours does Merlot contribute to the Bordeaux blend?
Medium to pronounced intensity of strawberry, red plum and herbaceous flavours.
In a warm vintage, what aromas and flavours does Merlot contribute to the Bordeaux blend?
Medium to pronounced intensity of cooked blackberry and black plum.
When is Cabernet Sauvignon budding and why is it important?
Late budding, gives some protection from spring frost.
Cabernet Sauvignon result in wines with high tannins. Why?
Small-berried, thick-skinned plus high tannin content.
Cabernet Sauvignon is prone to fungal diseases as well as trunk diseases. Which ones in particular?
Powdery mildew, Eutypa and Esca.
When does Cabernet Sauvignon ripen and what is at risk because of the timing?
Ripens late, vulnerable to autumn rains.
In what soil does Cabernet Sauvignon produce best fruit?
Warm, well-drained. Such as the gravel beds of Médoc.
What levels of alcohol, acidity and tannins does Cabernet Sauvignon contribute to the Bordeaux blend?
Medium alcohol, high acidity and high levels of tannin.
What intensity as well as aromas and flavours does Cabernet Sauvignon bring to the Bordeaux blend?
Pronounced intensity of violet, blackcurrant, black cherry and herbaceous/menthol.
When does Petit Verdot bud and ripen?
Bud early and ripens late.
Is Sémillon early, mid or late ripening?
Mid-ripening.
What rots are Sémillon susceptible to?
Botrytis bunch rot, and noble rot when under the right conditions.
What intensity, what flavours, body, alcohol and acidity does Sémillon have?
Low intensity of apple and lemon, medium body, medium alcohol, medium to medium(+) acidity.
If Sémillon is under ripe, what flavours can it bring?
Grassy flavours.
Sémillon is prized for its ageability, apple and lemon notes develop into what with time?
Toast and honeyed notes.
Does Sauvignon Blanc notes develop with time?
No, but they can hold for quite some time.
Muscadelle, a famous “third” component in blends from where? What does it bring to the blend?
White Bordeaux blends, mostly sweet but dry too. Brings flowery and grapey notes.
When does Chardonnay bud?
Early.
When is Chardonnay ripening?
Early.
When is Pinot Noir ripening?
Early
What diseases are Chardonnay prone to (4)?
Grey rot, powdery mildew, millerandage and grapevine yellows
Chardonnay can be grown in a wide range of soils and climates, resulting in a range of styles. But many of the top-quality examples are grown in what mix of soil?
Limestone/clay
When does Pinot Noir bud?
Early, susceptible to spring frost.
When does Pinot Noir ripen?
Early, suitable for cooler climates.
In contrast to Chardonnay, what must yields be held to produce quality grapes of Pinot Noir?
Low yields to produce quality fruit.
Pinot Noir is a delicate variety, prone to what diseases (6)?
Millerandage, downy mildew, powdery mildew, botrytis bunch rot, fan leaf and leaf roll viruses.
In warm climates Pinot Noir can ripen too fast, when so what happens to the aromas.
The intensity is reduced.
The Dijon clones of both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir is now widely used all over the world. Where were they developed?
University of Burgundy in Dijon.