Identify wine TYPE Flashcards
(What is the profile of)
Albariño from Rias Baixas
- Slightly aromatic with aromas of Apricots (not as much as and not as ripe as Viognier though), Fresh ripe peach, Orange oil, juicy fruit gum, Mineraly
- High acidity
- 12.5% – 13% abv
- Low glycerol, creamy texture
- Bright finish, some times slightly oxidative (very subtle balanced almonds)
- Be aware, not to be mistaken for a Viognier
(What is the profile of)
Barbera
High in pigments with aromas of Sour cherry and savoury notes with high acidity and low to moderate tannin
(Describe the aromas of)
Barbera
Mulberry, cherry, vanilla, sour cherry, plum, cinnamon
(What is the profile of)
Barbera from Piedmont
Aroms of ►Classic bramble fruit, apples, ►blackberry, ►raspberries, ►bitter-sweet cherries
High acidity
Low to medium tannin
Medium alcohol
Medium body
(Fruity, a little sour but easy drinking Historically with no oak)
(What is the profile of)
Blaufrankisch
Sour cherry flavour, peppery, it can express strong mineral flavours.
Crisp acidity
Moderate tannins
(Aging in oak results in sifter acidity and a sweeter fruit)
(What is the profile of)
Cabernet Franc
- Medium pigments
- Aromas of bramble fruits – apples, blackberries, pencil shavings, cedar. It can be a little bit vegetal.
- (Medium to) high acid, more malic than tartaric
- Medium tannins
- Light to medium body
(Describe the aromas of)
Cabernet Franc
Fresh mushrooms, fall leaves, violet, humus/ pitting soil, wild strawberries, cocoa, cranberry, sweet herb, mulberry, moss, tobacco, wet tree bark, tea
(Describe the aromas of)
Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley
Aromas of ►Tart red raspberry, ►More forest fruit than red and blackcurrant, ►Quite herbaceous with Green bell pepper, Stemmy/ twiggy, Jalapeño, Cut grass, ►Violets, ►pronounced earth, ►brettomyces often encountered
Aggressive malic acid when unripe
Medium alcohol, always around 12.5%
Tart finish
(Rustic, More vegetal than Cabernet Sauvignon, No oak influence)
(What is the profile of)
Cabernet Sauvignon
High tannins. Moderately high acids. High pigments High phenolics
Cabernet Sauvignon
Blackcurrant, black plum, green bell pepper, tobacco, sage, edgy texture
Cabernet Sauvignon
Highest level of tartaric acid, one of the highest tannin levels and darkest colour, Full bodied, high extract, works well with oak, especially French oak. Good minerality. Herbaceous (especially marginal climates) but less than Cabernet Franc. As it ripens gets richer more cassis than black currant, jammy with notes of tar, especially South African. When aged gets leathery notes, pronounced minerality but still black fruit orientated, more dried fruit though.
Cabernet Sauvignon can be described as having aromas of ______________.
Black cherry, vanilla, black currant, herbs, blackberry, mint, blueberry, lilac, red currant, toffee, cedar, chocolate, cigar box, pencil shavings, tobacco, black pepper, tea, eucalyptus, coffee, cocoa
What is a wine with: black currant, black cherry, raspberry, dusty earth, cigar box, black olive, coffee, chocolate, eucalyptus, mint, graphite, pencil
Cabernet Sauvignon
Describe favour characteristics of Cab Sauv as it relates to the fruit aspects
Black currants. Cooler regions- notes of green capsicum and cedar wood. Warm climate- black cherry, black olive, fruit character. Australian CS particularly Coonawarra have hints of mint, eucalyptus or menthol
Describe a cool- climate Cabernet Sauvignon
Spice- driven, red currant, cocoa, mocha, cedar- scented, tobacco, lilac, chalky
Describe a warm climate Cabernet Sauvignon
Fruit driven, cherries, milk, chocolate, oak- scented, sweet cigar box, vanilla, supple, eucalyptus/ mint
Bordeaux- Cabernet Sauvignon
High acidity, high tannin. Moderate alcohol (in general) Graphite, pencil shavings Herbaceous (crushed leaves) Cedar wood Not much spice Black fruit compote when age Herbaceous.
California- Cabernet Sauvignon
Vanilla, coconut from American oak, Cassis, jammy, Softer tannins Bit lower acidity Most alcoholic due to late picking
Chile- Cabernet Sauvignon
Minty, herbal and vegetal notes Alcohol not as high as California but still around 14%abv
Australia (Coonawarra)- Cabernet Sauvignon
Nearest to Bordeaux, Getting riper and more alcoholic nowadays, Touch more alcohol to Bordeaux, Minty notes. More cassis than blackcurrant
South Africa- Cabernet Sauvignon
Can be herbaceous and smoky with notes of tar Smoke is coming from the barrels in this case. Touch of spices but no pepper
Carménère- Chile
Medium acidity Medium body High alcohol Medium colour Black fruit, blackcurrant, jammy White pepper notes Incomparable to other varieties
Chardonnay?
Hazelnut, golden apple, lemon, soft cheese rind, pineapple (new world styles), butter (new world styles), rich texture
Chardonnay can be described as having aromas of_______________
Flint/ stone, citrus, melon, pineapple, banana, apricot, butter, smoke, burnt sugar, caramel, green apple, pears, nuts, honey, peach, ginger, vanilla, oak butterscotch, nutmeg
What is a wine with: Vanilla, white flowers, pear, Apple, honey, citrus- lemon, tangerine, yogurt, citrus, blossoms, mango, nectarine, butter, toast
Chardonnay
Describe flavour characteristics of Chardonnay
Cool climate- steely wines. Med to light body. High acidity apple or green plum fruit. Slight warmer regions: Impact more citrus flavours. Hotter regions: lend to more melon and peach and even exotic flavours like banana, mango and fig. Hotter regions: will be full- bodied, high in alcohol and low in acidity. Not an aromatic varietal but oaking and ML are used to contribute to flavour.
Australia- Chardonnay
Riper fruit, usually Tropical fruit eg. pineapple, mango Lower acidity than Burgundy and Cali Viscous and ripe on the palate sometimes clumsy Much more oak than Burgundy and Cali Very malolactic
Burgundy- Chardonnay
Pure stone fruit Lifted acidity Usually oaked, well integrated oak Butter, diacetytl from malo Savoury character Corton – Charlemagne, very different style, drinks almost like a red wine, big, rich, steely, nutty, oaky
California- Chardonnay
Similar to Burgundy style if from colder area like Russian River or Carneros, even alcohol tend to be similar Not as tropical as Australia More lees less wood than Australia Acidity higher then Australia bit lower than Côte de Beaune
Chablis- Chardonnay
Pure fruit, always green fruit, apples, sometimes unripe stone fruit: white peach High acidity Very mineral Not much oak Usually unoaked, old oak only (Grand Crus)
Chile- Chardonnay
Herbaceous, slightly vegetal Cheep ones are very flat, dull and tropical Can be much better balanced and fresher If comes from cooler area like San Antonio or Casablanca Overall the oak is better integrated in Burgundy than in the new world Chardonnays
Describe an old wood Chardonnay
Citrus, lemon, grapefruit, Granny Smith, butter, nutty, honey, minerals/ Flint, often very little wood, high and long lived.
Chardonnay from the Côte d’Or
Gun flint, buttery, white flowers, citrus, hazelnut, lemon, yellow fruit, peach, honey, creamy, jasmine, almond, honeysuckle and verbena
(See Wine & Viticulture Journal, summer 2019)
Describe a new world Chardonnay
Tropical fruit, banana and pineapple, apple pie, apple cobbler, butterscotch, caramel, smokey, toasty, vanilla, ginger, nutmeg, very oaky, low acid, short lived
What is the profile of Chenin Blanc?
High acid. High extract Aromatic Long lived Very dry to sweet
Chenin Blanc
High level of malic acid
Chenin Blanc (Loire)
Bruised red apple (oxidative), honey, chamomile, wasabi, tangerine, pronounced chalk/ limestone, wet wool, high acid
A wine with an aromatic profile of wheat berries, straw flower, toasted brioche, clotted cream, pear and hazelnut is likely to be……
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc can be described as having aromas of_____________
Creme fraiche, sour cream, plain yogurt, clotted cream, buttermilk, almond, straw, flowers, hazelnut, ripe grain, marzipan, nuts, toasted bread, lemon, melon, Apple, apricot, pear, dried flowers, orange peel
What attribute can be a potential problem for Chenin Blanc and how is it resolved?
Ripens unevenly, pickers pass through vineyards in successive ‘tries’ harvesting optimally ripe grapes and discarding those that have started to rot.
Describe flavour characteristics of Chenin Blanc
High in acidity and unusual fruit characteristics. Vegetal notes, aromas of green apples and Flavors of citrus pith in young, dry CB
Loire Valley- Chenin Blanc
Predominant Apple, green apple, honeyed apple when ages High acidity Minerally – tuffa soil = limestone Medium alcohol Bad quality – wet wool, powdery nose
South Africa- Chenin Blanc
More tropical fruit than apple Lower acidity Bad quality – diluted hot alcohol
Chenin Blanc grows best on ________________soils
Tufa or Chalk
From what region and subregions is Chenin Blanc most prized? In what styles are the wines produced?
Loire, France. Touraine- Touraine (Dry fairly rare), Vouvray (Dry, sweet, still- sparkling). Anjou- Samur- Samur (Dry- sweet), Anjou (Most recently, dry) Coteaux Du Layon (Sweet), Quarts De Chaume and Bonnezeaux, Savennieres (Late harvest, Dry)
What’s the flavour profile of Cortese?
Light fruity with a whiff of candied fruit, ideal with seafood
What is the flavour characteristics if Corvina?
Herby, snappy note overlaid with Black Fruit
Corvina blends
Amarone Cooked red and black fruit Very full bodied Very high alcohol Essentially dry but has a sweet edge Historically with no oak
Gamay
Carbonic maceration – deep colour, rubber aromas, quite high alcohol, low tannins, fruity.
What is the profile of Gamay?
Low tannins High acids Low pigments Aromatic
What aromas would describe Gamay?
Lily of the valley, raspberry, cranberry, rose, cherry, orange peel, iris, banana, strawberry, violets.
What is a wine with black cherry and jello
Gamay
Beaujolais- Gamay
Medium body Quite high malic acid Quite high alcohol Low tannins Notes of rubber if carbonic maceration Confected sweets, black fruit, bubble gum, banana, no minerality
Gamay (Beaujolais)
Strawberry,clack cherry, pear drop, bubblegum, violets, banana, pronounced crushed granite
The Gamay vine is most successful on________________ soil.
Granitic
Garganega (Soave)
Grapey Almonds, hint of marzipan Not aromatic, rather neutral Slightly oily Medium viscosity Often lacks acidity
What is the profile of Gewürztraminer?
Ripens to high sugar levels: this can equate to high alcohol levels in the wine. High extract. Low acid. Aromatic. Very dry to sweet.
Gewürztraminer can be described as having aromas of________________
Nutmeg, citrus, peel, lychee nut, bayberry, grapefruit, rose, ginger, sandalwood, cardamon, all spice, pine
Gewürztraminer (Alsace)
Lychee, rose, pot pourri, grapefruit pith, candied ginger, bitter finish
Alsace- Gewürztraminer
Lychee Spicy, clove, nutmeg, ginger, honey, Turkish delight Very aromatic Touch of sweetness Viscous – lots of glycerol Low to medium acidity
What is the properties of Grenache?
Low pigment Low tannin Low acid High alcohol
Grenache?
Dehydrated strawberries, strawberry jam, raspberry, black cherry, black pepper, raisins, powdered sugar, Grenadine, oxidative, sweetness to the fruit on finish
What aromas would describe Grenache?
Strawberry, ethyl Acetate, sour cherry, black pepper, cranberry, alcohol.
Describe the flavour characteristics of Grenache
High in alcohol and full- bodies with soft tannins. Pale in colour and oxidise easily (browning at the rim). Red fruit flavours (strawberry, raspberry) and hints of white pepper: which develops into flavours of leather, tar and toffee as the wine ages.
Chateauneuf du Pape -Grenache
Medium acidity and tannin Full body High alcohol Colour pinot noir like Red berry fruit when young, baked bread/pastry Top examples black fruit, pastry, baked bread, liquorice, dried fruit notes, white pepper, lot of spices When gets really ripe develops dried fruit, liquorice, treacle Not a lot of minerality Historically ages in Foudres instead of new wood Indian spice, ginger, nutmeg etc. When aged gets meaty notes. It doesn’t work really well with wood
Gruner Veltliner?
White pepper, lentils, watercress, celery, lime blossom, lime, under ripe stone fruits, subtle bitterness on finish
Grüner Veltliner
Citric, lime, lemon, apple and peach when riper White pepper Phenolic Relatively aromatic Lifted acidity Medium viscosity
Describe the flavours of Gruner Veltliner wine?
Grew grapes, salad and white pepper in youth developing layers of honey and toast with aging. Mineral flavours are common. The best single vineyard Gruner Veltliners compare in quality and style to very finest white burgundies.
Malbec- Argentina
High tannin High acidity Medium plus body Dark colour, a lot of extraction Very dark fruit, black plum, black cherry, blackcurrant, cassis Soft spices, herbal notes, peppery notes, slightly minty
Malbec (Argentina)
Blueberry, ripe plum, blackberry, green coffee bean, violets, magenta/ electric pink rim, bright acid
Merlot
Medium acidity, medium tannin, softer than Cabernet, slightly higher alcohol than Cabernet, 0.5 more usually, lighter in body.
What is the profile of Merlot?
Moderate tannin High alcohol Short on acid
Merlot?
Plum, black berry, chocolate, fern leaf, round shape/ texture
Merlot has been described as having aromas of_________________
Blueberry, cigar box, blueberry, mint, cherry, toffee, black cherry, vanilla, plum, cocoa, prune, coffee, fresh/ grapey, spice, black pepper, chocolate
Describe the flavour characteristics of Merlot
Harvested late: blackberry and plum fruit, soft velvety textured tannins combine with a rich full body to high alc and concentrated fruit. Harvested early to make a more lighter body + alcohol wine w/higher acidity and more red fruit (rasp, ripe straw) and maybe even vegetal, leafy aromas
Bordeaux- Merlot
Mirror of Cabernet Sauvignon but one notch lower except alcohol (around 0.5 more)Levels of extracts is the same but a different profile. More plum fruit (ripe Victoria plum), Tends to have less oak, when ages, Develops toffee, caramelised sugar aromas (top Pomerol), Old Merlot tastes fatter on the palate than old Cabernet, is softer and more full. Noticed pronounced minerality.
California- Merlot
Unbelievably alcoholic Big extract Black fruit, due to long maceration Lots of new American oak Pastel fruit comparing to Cabernet Sauvignon
Chile- Merlot
Rounded, Jammy, Tinned vegetables, herbaceous Alcohol about 0.5 more than Bordeaux. Much more black fruit than Bordeaux, blackberry, blackcurrant, No plum fruit, never mineral
Muscadet/Melon de Bourgogne
Apple and citrus fruit Lifted malic acid Up to 12%abv Very neutral in taste Almost steely Leesy, bready Not aromatic
What is the profile of Muscat?
High alcohol. High extract. Highly aromatic Good acid.
Muscat?
Orange candy, rose petal
Muscat can be described as having aromas of________________
Musk, burnt caramel, honey, orange blossom, honeysuckle, rose water, peach, lime blossom, apricot, white raisin, mango, mousiness/ earthiness, citrus, fresh grapes, gardenia,
Alsace- Muscat
Dry, medium acidity More rose petal than lychee Less spice
Describe a fortified Muscat
Concentrated must, fresh white raisins, “in a rum”, dried mango, dried apricots, rose petal, crystallised honey, citrus peel, orange zest
Describe an unfortified Muscat
Fresh grapes, fresh white raisins, mango, apricot, honeysuckle, citrus, orange blossom, rose water
What is the profile of Nebbiolo?
High acid High tannin High Extract High Alcohol
What is the flavour profile of Nebbiolo?
Red fruit, rose, licorice, hay, high alcohol, tannin and acidity
Nebbiolo (Northern Italy)
Dried sour red cherry, tar, dried rose petal, red licorice, anise, truffle, mushrooms, clay, cinnamon stick, maraschino cherry, high tannin, high acid, medium plus high alcohol.
Nebbiolo can be described as having aromas as______________
Tar, truffles, cocoa, twigs, Forrest floor, bitter chocolate, roses, iris, violets.
Nebbiolo- Piedmont
Very high malic and tartaric acid High tannins Dry and austere Medium colour at the most Full bodied High alcohol (13.5+) When young red berry fruit, sometimes dark forest fruit, rose petal, menthol notes, extremely mineral, very pure red and dark cherry fruit, lavender, tar – comes with age Seems to hold fruit with age Usually gets just a touch of oak
What is Pais?
Grape used for making rustic table wine or brandy
Alsace- Pinot Blanc
Usually round 12.5% – 13% abv Lemon, quite neutral grape Grapey Hard to describe
Italy- Pinot Blanc
Even more neutral Medium acidity, looses acidity as ages
Pinot Grigio (Italy)
Lemon rind, melon, peanut shell, flat beer, bitter finish
Italy- Pinot Grigio & Pinot Gris
Apple and pear fruit Mild spices, white pepper Less alcohol to Alsace Less viscous Quite neutral
What is a wine with: lemon, lime, green melon, Apple, pineapple, honeysuckle, blossom, yogurt, sour cream, ginger, lemon grass, mineral, toast, vanilla, honey
Pinot Gris
Describe flavour characteristics of Pinot Gris
At its best. Almost oily, rather high in alcohol, and low in acidity. Rich, aromatic, exotic fruit, such as melon, ripe Banana and mango, and sometimes botrytis flavours can appear in dry wine. In Italy for Pinot Grigio, a different approach is taken. They are harvested early to retain acidity and avoid development of too much fruitiness. Wines are generally light and fairly neutral in character.
Pinot Gris (Alsace)
White mushroom, sweet pear, green apple, honey, potting soil, small amount of RS, white flowers, slightly bitter finish
Alsace- Pinot Grigio & Pinot Gris
Cooked quinces, some apple, more quince than apple though Darker colour, almost amber Quite full bodied, more glycerol Spicy Higher alcohol
What is the profile of Pinot Gris/ Grigio?
Low acid or high acid. High extract. Pinot Gris/ Pinot Grigio can have little or no aroma or can have subtle fruit and floral notes.
Pinot Gris/ Pinot Grigio can be described as having aromas of __________________
Apple, butter, almond, mineral, steel, honey, peach, lemon, pear, chalk, Flint, orange, blossom, honeysuckle, cream
Pinot Noir
Very short ripening grape.
What is the profile of Pinot Noir?
Low to moderate tannins Good acidity Broad, expansive aroma and bouquet
Pinot Noir?
Black cherry, red cherry, strawberry, cranberry, violets, tomato leaf, cola nut, black tea.
What is a wine with: red cherry, strawberry jam, oak, raspberry, Pomegranite, meat, blood, animal, mint, jasmine, mushroom, coffee, cinnamon, clove
Pinot Noir
Describe the aromas that may signal a Pinot Noir
Raspberry, cherries, strawberries, blackberries, plum, earth, sandalwood, barnyard, leather, violets, toast, lilac, clove/ cinnamon, truffles, smoke, inscence, west Forrest- floor, meaty- Gamey
Describe the flavour characteristics of Pinot Noir
Young PN displays a fruity perfume of raspberries, strawberries or red cherries w/ soft, light tannins- seldom deep in colour. With age, vegetal and farmyard aromas develop.
Australia- Pinot Noir
Burgundy style Lower acidity, higher alcohol than Burgundy. riper fruit Slightly jammy, cinnamon from the wood
Burgundy- Pinot Noir
Very mineral As ages dump earth, animal, meaty, earthy notes, savoury Nebbiolo like Côte de Beaune more red fruit Côte de Nuits more black fruit Top notch wines have red and dark berry fruit Raspberry, forest fruit, cherry fruit when young Medium body and extract Medium tannin, even in grand cru (but here more wood tannin) High level of malic acid
California- Pinot Noir
More new French oak Russian River and Carneros similar to New Zealand Ripe black fruit cooked fruit and figs A lot of mouthfeel, but no minerals
Chile (Casablanca)- Pinot Noir
Not as ripe as California Smoky, minty Fruit driven
New Zealand- Pinot Noir
Decline in acidity More alcoholic Becomes more darker and riper in warm areas and loses minerality Red and dark cherry notes
Describe a savoury Pinot noir
Complex in flavour profile Organics: Mushrooms, forest, earth, smoke, barnyard, full bodied weighty, moderate tannins Exotic: inscence, sandlewood, spice, satin, brushed cotton, hints of flowers
Describe a “sweet” or “fruity” Pinot Noir
Simple in flavour profile. Fruit driven: raspberry, cherries, strawberries, delicate, light, hints of spice. Floral: violets, lilac, silk and taffeta. Supple tannins.
Pinotage- South Africa
High tannin High alcohol Medium acidity Dark fruit, stewed prune Overlay of tar and treacle, earthy, rustic, quite bitter Bitter finish Burned Christmas pudding Unpleasant leathery and smoky notes
Riesling?
Apricot, peach, petrol, lime zest (Aussie Riesling), lime blossom, slate, high acid, linear texture
A Riesling can be described as having aromas of_______________
Apple, passion fruit, pineapple, honeysuckle, Flint, juicy fruit gum, talc, orange blossom, tarragon, hyacinth, slate, stone, peach, lime, honey, apricot, jasmine, ginger, Lemon curd, fennel, grapefruit, kiwi, minerals
What is a wine with: Apricot, peach, pear, raisin, honeysuckle, geranium, lavender, asphalt, kerosine, anise, tangerine
Riesling
Alsace- Riesling
Steely Usually drier then Germany Richer A lot of Petrol More viscous Higher alcohol Clare Valley Almost like a lime cordial Very citric Medium body on the palate Less petrol Up to 13%abv
Austria- Riesling
More spicy and no petrol Higher alcohol Usually drier than Germany but sometimes some residual sugar Firm acidity
German- Riesling
Round 8% abv, if dry almost like Alsace 12,5% – 13% abv Citric & stone fruit Floral Soft spice, some ginger Steely character Very long aging capacity
What flavour profile would be found in a Riesling grown on blue slate?
Minerals, green apple
What flavour profile would be found in a riesling grown on iron- rich red slate?
Peach, Smoke
What flavour profile would be found in Riesling grown on volcanic soil?
Mango, papaya, tropical fruits
Describe a cool climate Riesling?
Lean, reserved. High, searing acidity. Very dry to sweet. Citrus fruits and apples Perfect for seafood and pacific rim cuisine
Describe a warm- climate Riesling
Opulent, full bodied Round, dry to sweet. Tropical fruit. Perfect for rich dishes like venison and duck/ or spicy fare
What is the profile of Sangiovese
Low extract. Low pigment. High acid Moderate tannins Moderate alcohol
Sangiovese (Tuscany)
Sour red cherry, cherry pith, licorice, root fennel, black tea, leaf underbrush, high acid
Describe the aromas of Sangiovese
Fresh cherry, toast, sun- baked earth, wood, charcoal, clove, licorice, chocolate, thyme, dried cherry, dried orange peel, spice, leather, black cherry, sour strawberry
What is a wine with: plum, black cherry, mocha, coffee, cinnamon, vanilla, rose, pot pourri, cherry, tomato, raspberry, tar, leather, capers
Sangiovese
Describe the flavour characteristics of Sangiovese
Typically not aromatic grape. High in acidity w/ sour red cherry. Sometimes astringent tannins and earthy, dusty aromas reminiscent of tea leaves.
Sangiovese- Chianti
Medium to high acidity Medium to high tannin Colour is darker and deeper than Nebbiolo Overall black fruit, assam tea, red and black cherry More French oak Not great deal of minerality A lot of leathery notes Brunello di Montalcino More black fruit More alcohol Everything a notch up to Chianti It’s more oxidative (Slovenian oak) Bigger structure, hint of jam fruit and raisins Toasty from the barrels
Why is the profile of Sauvignon Blanc?
Aromatic High in Acid
Sauvignon Blanc?
Grapefruit, grass, gooseberry, tarragon, chervil (Sancerre), jalapeño, passionfruit (New Zealand)
Sauvignon Blanc
Green apple, olive, green melon, cat pee, dill, Mint, guava, sweet citrus, smoke, vanilla, basil
Sauv Blanc can be described as having aromas of_______________
Melon, bell pepper, hay, pineapple, musk, celery, kiwi, stone, Gunflint, gooseberry, herbs, jalapeño, pear, fig, grass, cat’s pee, lemon, toast, lemon, grass, grapefruit, asparagus, nuts, lemon- lime,
Describe flavour characteristics of Sauv Blanc
Cool regions v/ poor soils produce classic green herbaceous, gooseberries, green- pepper, grass, passionfruit or elderflower. Warmer regions fails to develop much aromatic flavour and has just hints of peach. Some can develop vegetal aromas of peas and asparagus.
Describe Sav Blanc from Bordeaux
Grassy and Herbal (oregano and thyme)
Describe Calafornia Sauv Blanc
Fig and melon
Chile- Sav Blanc
Tinned vegetables like aromas Lower acidity than Loire and New Zealand Can be bit oily on the palate Less minerals to Loire and New Zealand Flat and vegetal if from central valley
Describe Loire Valley Sav Blanc
Pugnent Smokey, high minerality.
Describe NZ Sav Blanc
Intense, grapefruit and citrus, hints of asparagus and Jalapeño
New Zealand- Sav Blanc
More tropical fruit, gooseberries, fresh cut grass, bell pepper, asparagus Herbaceous Classic style is unoaked More stony than chalky minerality Slightly higher alcohol than Loire Slightly lower acidity than Loire
Sancerre/ Pouilly Fume- Sav Blanc
Mostly green fruit + citrus, limey, bitter citrus, apple High acidity, high malic acid Chalky minerality, crushed stone like Not too alcoholic – usually less than Chardonnay
What is the profile of Semillon?
Subdued aromas. Waxy/ Lanolin texture Susceptible to botrytis Long lived
A Semillon dessert wine would have aromas of __________________
Melon, pineapple, tropical fruit citrus, honey, caramel, minerals, spice, peach, apricot, nectarine, butterscotch, vanilla, flowers, nuts
Bordeaux- Semillon
Historicaly more Semillon than Sauv. Bl. now its other way around Citrus, lemon develops honey, marmalade when ages waxy Weighty
Hunter Valley- Semillon
Only 9-10%abv Very citric Mineraly No oak Very long aging capacity
A Semillon table wine would smell of_______________
Pear, lanolin, nuts, flowers, citrus, wax, honey, minerals
What is the flavour profile of Soave DOC?
Floral notes of Camomile and Iris with surprising acidity
Syrah?
Raspberry, blackberry, sometimes blueberry, freshly cracked black pepper, smoked meat/ bacon fat, leather, violets
What is a wine with: blackberry, cherry, smokey, leather, bacon meat, pepper, chocolate, currant, plum, mint, fruitcake, menthol, pencil, dust, truffle, vanilla, cinnamon
Syrah
Describe the flavour characteristics of Syrah
Very dark in colour and has blackberry fruit flavours. Cooler climates- the tannins can be very high and the blackberry fruit can be accompanied by notes of black pepper and sometimes mint. Hot climates- more full bodied, with soft tannins and earthy, leathery and spice notes that are more like liquorice and anise.
Describe a “spice driven” Syrah
Spice: black pepper, aromatics: Rosemary, lavender, organics: lathered pony, musk, game, Mexican mole sauce
What is the profile of Syrah/ Shiraz?
Heavily pigmented. Highly tannic. High alcohol. Needs time to mature.
Aromas of_________________ would define a Syrah/ Shiraz
Smoke, game, tar, toast, pepper, raspberry, chocolate, herb, musk, char, black olives, mineral, mint, leather, blackberry, sweat, baked earth, spice, lavender, anise, jam, Rosemary
Australia- Syrah/ Shiraz
Higher alcohol High tannins but softer Lower acidity Eucalyptus notes Blackberry jam Iodine, leather, medicinal, much more vanilla than in Rhône, creamy In cool climate touch of black pepper, nutmeg, roasted meat, in warmer more glycerol, riper tannins, lower acidity Hunter Valley – leather, iodine Barossa – halfway Margaret River – similar to Rhône, black olives but Rhône is more floral
Rhône Valley- Syrah/Shiraz
High tannin Medium alcohol Deep colour, high extract Medium to high acidity, more malic than tartaric acid Not as big tannin as Cabernet, medium alcohol (around 13%) Less natural partner with oak Less obvious oak Hermitage – blackberry, blueberry, black olive, bacon, black pepper, smoke, gamey, lavender oil Côte Rôtie – roasted herbs, meaty In general – blackberry, garrique, black olive, black pepper, bacon fat, smoke, meaty, gamey, roasted meat when gets older
Describe a “fruit- driven” Shiraz
Fruit: Blackberry jam Aromatics: Vanilla Bean Organics: Baked earth, smoke, chocolate
What is the profile of Tempranillo?
- High pigment
- Low acid
- Moderately tannic
- Long- lived
Tempranillo? (Rioja Reserva/ Gran Reserva)
Stewed fruits, desiccated fruits, tart, red raspberry, tobacco, sweet and sour (Chinese restaurant aroma), dill p, bay leaf, ripe strawberries, coconut, medium plus acid, medium- medium plus alcohol
What aromas would describe a Tempranillo?
Cherries, vanilla, strawberries, vellum, leather, lanolin, wood, road dust
Describe the flavour characteristics of Tempranillo by describing tannin levels, Colour and 2 other characteristics
Light levels of tannin and colour, nose of soft leather and ripe strawberries
Rioja/Ribera del Duero -Tempranillo
Medium everything Higher tannins when aged in new wood A lot of vanilla from American wood In young examples a lot of strawberry and cherry Reserva, Gran Reserva – leather, gamey, vanilla Modern style black fruit with some Cabernet Sauvignon ie. Marques de Riscal Exaggerates jammy nature when Grenache is added. No minerality The more aged the more oxidative it becomes
Torrontes (Argentina)
Should be dry! Aromatic Some tropical fruit Citric Less fruity than Gewurz Phenolic=grape skins Bitter edge Can be oily, high glycerol Perfumed
Viognier?
Peachy, orange peel, apricot, mandarin, orange blossom, honeysuckle, vanilla, fruit loops, mango, medium low- medium acid, weighty texture, bitter finish
What is the profile of Viognier?
Profoundly aromatic. Low acid. Ripens to high sugar levels: this can equate to high alcohol levels in the wine high extract.
Viognier
High viscosity, lifted glycerol, rich texture, lower acidity
What is a wine with: Fruit loops, fruit basket, marmalade, lemon, lime, peach, pear skin, apricot, blossom, anise, mineral, vanilla, sweet cream, almond, nougat
Viognier
Viognier can be described as having aromas of_________________
Grass, honey, apricot, citrus, orange, peel, musk, passionfruit, kiwi, peach, gooseberry, ginger, honeysuckle, lemongrass, tangerine, guava, mango
California- Viognier
More tropical fruit, pineapple, popcorn, butterscotch Less aromatic High alcohol
Condrieu- Viognier
Stone fruit, dried apricot Relatively aromatic Historically unoaked Viscous Soft acidity Texture similar to Pinot Gris
What two regions produce the world’s best Viognier?
Condrieu and Chateau Grillet in Northern Rhone
What is the profile of Zinfandel?
Densely pigmented. Moderately tannic. Alcoholic. High extract. Good acid.
Zinfandel?
Plum skin, cranberry, blueberry jam, blackberry pie, peppercorn, peach yogurt, high alcohol
What are the aromas to look for in a Zinfandel?
Raspberry, blackberry, black pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, anise, tar, jam, black raspberry, raisin, candied fruit, clove, cedar, sandalwood, vanilla, spice
What is a wine with: jammy fruit, spicy perfume, anise, damp earth, chocolate, coffee, dark cherry, blueberry, watermelon, fruit cake, green herbs, clove, nutmeg, black pepper
Zinfandel
Zinfandel- Sonoma
Medium colour, deep if a lot of wood Medium tannin Very full bodied Very ripe Christmas pudding fruit. Peach yoghurt. Red and dark berries, plum fruit, cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, creamy, savoury Thin fruit and high alcohol in bad examples
