L2: White Wine Grapes

Question 1

Describe Riesling

Answer 1

Acid: High
Body: Low
Fingerprint: Petrol
Other: Citrus, Tree Fruit, Minerality, Floral

Riesling is a very aromatic and expressive grape variety, lending impressions of fresh flowers, especially honeysuckle. Riesling’s aromas and flavors are often compared to orchard fruits like apple, peach, and apricot, but can turn to lemon-lime if grown in a cool climate. Riesling is a light-bodied and highly acidic wine. It is often described as tasting clean, racy and bright. Riesling can take on more complex aromas which can include an aromatic expression of petrol, diesel or linalool.

Question 2

Describe Sauvignon Blanc

Answer 2

Acid: Medium to High
Body: Low to Medium
Fingerprint: Grass / Green Pepper
Other Favors: Grapefruit, Minerality

The varietal identity of Sauvignon Blanc is similar to cut grass or bell-pepper. New Zealanders liken it to “gooseberry.” The level of pyrazine influences whether its varietal character is mild or intense. An aggressive character — sometimes referred to as “catbox” — occurs in cool climates where the grapes lack sun exposure or are harvested underripe. where grapes receive minimal ripeness.

Question 3

Chardonnay

Answer 3

Acid: Low to Medium
Body: Medium to High
Fingerprint: None / Buttery (if Malo)
Other: Apples / Pear; Tropical Fruit; Oak (optional)

Chardonnay might smell like apples, lemons, peaches or tropical fruits. Its delicacy is such that even a small percentage of another varietal blended into a Chardonnay will often completely dominate its aroma and flavor. Oak takes over Chardonnay if the wine is fermented or aged in new barrels, or for too long in seasoned ones.
In spite of any variance in style, Chardonnay is unmistakable in the mouth because of its balance, medium to full body, and overall smoothness. Its most defining characteristic comes from malolactic fermentation, lending a soft, buttery flavor profile. Chardonnay’s intrinsic blank canvas quality allows its flavors to be dramatically affected by differences in soil, climate, and vineyard practices.

Question 4

Chenin Blanc

Answer 4

Light, Fruity Wine
US, Loire Valley, South Africa.

This grape makes a light, fruity wine. It is planted in the United States and in the Loire Valley of France (where it is well-known as Vouvray). In South Africa, the grape is referred to as Steen and comes in dry and sweet versions. General characteristics of Chenin Blanc include citrus, peach, pear, apple, and quince; spring flowers and honeysuckle; occasionally a lanolin/wet wool element; and assertive mineral and earthy notes, sometimes reminiscent of fresh, sweet mushrooms.

Question 5

GEWÜRZTRAMINER

Answer 5

Highly perfumed
Alsace

One of the wine world’s love-it-or-hate-it grapes, Gewürztraminer is for many wine lovers the signature variety of Alsace. Its highly perfumed aromas of rose petal, smoked meat, lychee, grapefruit, and spices are immediate and captivating, although some examples lack refinement and seem a bit blowzy owing to low acidity and high alcohol content.

Question 6

Moscato

Answer 6

Light and dry or sweet late harvest
Priamary grape in Asti Spumanti

This is the primary grape used in Asti Spumanti, the sparkling wine from Italy. Muscat is grown around the world for use in use in light and dry wines, low-alcohol sparkling wines, and sweet, late-harvest wines. Expect to find notes of ripe peach and apricot, flowers, and fresh herbs.

Question 7

Semillon

Answer 7

This thin-skinned grape variety ripens early in its home region of Bordeaux. Often blended with Sauvignon Blanc and the basis of one of the world’s most famous sweet wines, Sauternes, it has a waxy, “figgy” flavor that adds roundness and longevity to wine.

Question 8

Trebbiano

Answer 8

The signature white Italian grape. It is planted all over the peninsula, and is used for everything from Soave, the famous white wine of the Veneto region, to balsamic vinegar. Expect a pale white wine with crisp citric tones and an almond-like bitter note in the finish. (***Not Soave?? Soave is Garganega I thought?)

Question 9

Vigonier

Answer 9

This rare varietal originated in the Northern Rhone Valley in France. Noted for its perfumed aromas of tangerine, apricot, honey, spice, and apple and peach flavors, it typically produces medium-bodied wines with relatively high acids and fruit notes. Viognier has become a rising star in U.S. vineyards, as our American palates have evolved to appreciate more aromatic white wines.